Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana Utsava
24 November 2026 · Kartika Purnima is the full moon of the auspicious Kartika month. Boita Bandana is the unique Odia tradition of floating miniature boats at dawn, honouring ancient maritime heritage.
About This Event
Festival overview
Kartika Purnima (Dev Diwali) is one of the holiest full moons in the Hindu calendar — the day Lord Vishnu wakes from his cosmic sleep (Prabodhini Ekadashi). Devotees take holy dips, light lamps at rivers and water bodies, and celebrate with special pujas at temples.
Boita Bandana is a uniquely Odia custom observed at dawn on Kartika Purnima. Devotees — especially women — float miniature boats (boitas) made from banana stems, paper, or thermocol on rivers, ponds, or even water-filled vessels, symbolically recreating the ancient maritime voyages of Odia traders (Sadhabas) to Southeast Asia. The ritual chant is 'Aa ka ma boi, pana gua thoi' ('Come O boat, take betel nut and areca'). The tradition connects modern Odia culture to its proud seafaring past.
Date
24 November 2026
Location
Shree Jagannatha Temple Sydney, Castle Hill
Event timings
Detailed timings will be announced soon.
Schedule