Kartika Purnima, Boita Bandana Utsava
24 November 2026 · Kartika Purnima — the full moon of the sacred month of Kartika — is one of the most spiritually luminous nights in the Odia calendar, also celebrated as Deva Diwali, the Diwali of the gods. The Boita Bandana tradition sees families gather before dawn to float small boats made of banana stems with tiny lamps — honouring Odisha's ancient maritime heritage when Sadhabas set sail to Southeast Asia, carrying trade, culture, and the grace of Lord Jagannatha across the seas. At the Puri Jagannatha Temple, Kartika Purnima also marks one of only five annual occasions when Lord Jagannatha appears in the magnificent Suna Besa (Gold Dress).
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
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST
Schedule
Event timeline
Schedule details will be announced closer to the event.