Odisha And Bali Connection

Odisha, erstwhile Kalinga, has a rich and ancient cultural and civilizational link with Bali, Indonesia, and other South East Asian nations like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia etc.

Odisha Handloom - "Orissa Ikat" Saree with boat

Every year on Kartik Purnima in November, the Odias i.e. the people of Odisha, observe a traditional festival. As per the age-old custom, they float small paper-boats or boats made of other materials with earthen lamps and flowers. The water-bodies of Odisha- rivers, lakes and ponds are filled with hundreds of boats commemorating Odisha’s glorious maritime trade. This is called “Boita Bandana”.

Bali Yatra And Boita Bandana #AToZChallenge

Odisha celebrates many festivals and several 'Yatra'.
In ancient times, enterprising sons of Odisha, traders referred to as Sadhaba & Sadhaba-pua used to sail from Odisha's ports in huge boats to foreign lands like Bali, Java, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Borneo etc.

At Bali Jatra venue, Cuttack

Boats are present in the handicrafts, handlooms and art of Odisha like in the framed Pattachitra (painting) below.

Pattachitra Art depicting the welcome for the Sadhaba-pua

The expeditions usually commenced on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in November. Women prayed for their safe travel. When the Sadhaba-pua returned safely from their trip, they were received with much fanfare and celebration.
Bali Jatra and Boita Bandana reflect and commemorate the rich maritime trade and history of Odisha.