Kartika Purnima: Over 100 devotees stranded after boat develops technical glitch in Bhadrak

Hundreds of devotees, including some ‘Sadhaba Puas’, were stranded on a boat as it developed technical glitches at Chudamani jetty under Basudevpur block in Bhadrak district on Friday.

As per reports, as many as two boats set out carrying several passengers and some ‘Sadhab Puas’ for the ‘Boita Bandana’ festival on the occasion of ‘Kartika Purnima’.

However, one of the boats developed technical glitches midway. As a result, over a hundred of passengers, along with the ‘Sadhab Puas’, were left stranded. 

Till the last report came in, efforts were underway to rescue those in the affected boat. 

What is ‘Boita Bandana’?

‘Boita Bandana’ is a traditional Odia maritime and naval festival celebrated annually throughout Odisha on the occasion of holy ‘Kartika Purnima’- the full moon day in the month of ‘Kartika’. Decorated boats are floated on river as a symbolic gesture of ancestors’ voyage. 

Also Read | Know how Odisha’s Bali Yatra got its name

The festival is a celebration to mark the commemoration of the day when ‘Sadhabas’ (ancient Odia mariner merchants) would set sail to distant lands of mainland and insular Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange.

How Odisha Celebrated Kartika Purnima 2024?

People across Odisha celebrated Kartika Purnima with religious fervour on Friday. People from different walks of life floated miniature boats in ponds, rivers and other water bodies. Devotees also burst firecrackers while reminiscing Odisha’s rich maritime history.

Apart from floating miniature boats even before the day broke, people also visited temples across the state and offered prayers.