For
all the five days the women after their purification bath in the early morning
draw beautiful flower-designs around the 'Chaura' (a small temple like
structure with a 'Tulsi' plant overhead) with colour powder. Fasting for the
day is commonly observed. Most of the Shiva temples get crowded with
devotees offering prayer to Lord Shiva who is said to have killed the
demon 'Tripurasura' on this day. Group singing of 'kirtans' and
loud beating of 'Mrudanga' and cymbals con
tinue for the whole day.
Boita Bandana
Another
festival that takes place in the “Kartika Purnima” morning is
significant to the ancient history of Odisha. This reminds the maritime glory
of the State. In olden days the 'Sadhabas' (Sea Traders) used to sail
off to distant Islands like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Ceylon etc. for trade by
huge boats (Boita). The women of the community were giving them a
hearty see off by saying ‘Aa ka Ma Boi’ which symbolizes three
Oriya months i.e. Aswina, Kartika and Margashira. The days are
now gone, but the memory is still alive. Now, people float tiny boats made out
of cork and coloured paper or bark of the banyan tree remembering the past
glory. This is called "Boita Bandana". The “Kartik Brata” is
concluded on “Kartik Purnima” day. It is commonly observed that devotees
take holy bath in Puri Sea Beach and worship Lord Jagannath on this holy
day. This festival is celebrated with lot of respect by each and every
individual of Odisha.
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