Bhubaneswar: Kartika Purnima is celebrated with Boita Bandana, a mass commemoration of the maritime glory of the people of Odisha.
On the full moon day of the holy month of Kartika, people wake up early, bathe and visit temples. They then congregate near water bodies to set afloat toy boats with lighted lamps (diya), betel leaves, flower, milk, supari, cracker fruits and coins, while singing ‘Aa ka Ma Boi, Pana Gua Thoi, Pana Gua Tora, Masaka Dharama Mora’. This day also marks the end of the holy month of Kartika.
Preparations In Bhubaneswar
Devotees will throng Bindusagar at Old Town here from 3 am on Tuesday and sail small boats made of banana plant barks/stems.
The civic body has cleaned its ghats for the ritual.
The ‘Boita Bandana’ will be continue till 8 am there.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and several NGOs will then get down to clean Bindusagar.
Besides, people will also float miniature boats in the ponds near Kedargouri temple, Kapileswar temple, Rameswar temple, and Chintamaniswar temple.
A huge crowd is also expected near Daya and Kuakhai rivers.
A section of police force and fire brigades will be deployed near the water bodies to ensure safety of the devotees.
Decorations Of Lingaraj Temple And Other Temples In City
On the eve of Kartika Purnima, mutts and temples have been decorated with colourful lights and flowers.
Lingaraj temple will be decorated with colourful flowers on the occasion.
Expecting a huge crowd, the Commissionerate Police has decided to deploy 10 platoons of police force at the temple.
The temple will be opened at 3 am. Mangala Alati and Abakasa Niti (ritual) will be held early tomorrow. The devotees will get Sahana Mela darshan till 10 am. Other rituals will be held after 10 am, said the sources.
Artificial Ponds
Some organisations have prepared artificial ponds at some places in the city for the locals to observe the ‘Boita Bandana’ ritual.
The Winner Association has prepared an artificial pond for the Utsav.
Beside, cut-outs of huge colours boats have been put up in front of many temples in the city.
Miniature Boat Shops In City
For the Boita Bandana Utsav, several miniature boat shops have come up at Market Building, CRP Square, and other market places in the city.
Boats are available in different sizes and shapes in the market. The price ranges between Rs 5 and Rs 800, said the sources.
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