In a joyous celebration, students hailing from Odisha at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University marked the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima by taking an in-campus holy dip in the sacred waters of the Burhi Gandak river. The festivities were filled with heartfelt congratulations and best wishes from the participants.
Extending warm greetings on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, a festival known for its significance in bathing, charity, and faith, the students expressed their hopes for happiness and prosperity. Additionally, heartfelt prayers were offered for the removal of sorrows from the lives of all.
The commemoration of Kartik Purnima took on a distinctive cultural hue as students engaged in the age-old tradition of floating miniature boats, locally referred to as boitas (boat), crafted meticulously from banana stems. Adorned with flickering lamps, these symbolic vessels drifted gracefully on the river’s surface, embodying a tribute to the historical significance of the day.
Amrita Mishra, a student of the RPCAU from Odisha, shed light on the tradition, saying,
It is believed that our ancestors sailed boats to Indonesia to bring valuable items to the state. Alongside, people observe religious rituals, taking a holy dip. The last five days of the sacred month of Kartika are known as Panchuka, with the final day celebrated as Kartik Purnima. The tradition of floating boats pays homage to Kalinga’s ancient maritime history, where intrepid traders, known as ‘Sadhabas,’ undertook voyages to islands like Java, Sumatra, and Bali for trade. During these journeys, families performed ‘Boita Bandana,’ praying for the safe return of their seafaring loved ones.
— Amrita Mishra
Beyond the festivities, there was a palpable sense of unity and cultural richness as students collectively participated in the ritual, underlining the diverse tapestry of Odisha’s heritage. The rhythmic glow of the lamps on the miniature boats created a mesmerizing spectacle, fostering a collective remembrance of the festival’s historical roots and spiritual essence.
As the radiant flames flickered on the Burhi Gandak river, the students’ celebration of Kartik Purnima became a poignant reflection of tradition, spirituality, and communal harmony. The event not only illuminated the university campus but also served as a testament to the cultural depth and shared heritage of the students from Odisha at Dr. Rajendra Prasad University.
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