Lakhs take holy dip, sail boats, offer prayers

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Bhubaneswar: Lakhs of Hindu devotees across Odisha Friday took a holy dip, sailed boats made of paper, banana stems and thermocol on water bodies, thronged the temples and offered prayers on Kartik Purnima, full moon day of the Hindu holy month of Kartik today.
Many Odia people consider Kartik as holy and do not consume non-vegetarian food throughout the month. Those who do not observe the month-long Kartik brata, however, observe the last five days called panchaka consuming only vegetarian food.
The boats made of paper, banana stem and decorated with diya (earthen lamp), betel leaf, betel nut and flowers were sailed by devotees in memory of the maritime glory of the state.
In the past, Odia merchants called sadhavas used to sail to Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange on this day after a hearty send off by the female folk. The day is observed as Boita Bandana to commemorate the past glory of the Odisha.
In the twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, people took their holy bath in the Mahanadi, Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Daya rivers and in Mahodadhi in Puri and floated toy boats.
They offered prayers at Sri Jagannath temple Puri, Lingaraj temple, Bhubaneswar, Gada Chandi and Cuttack Chandi temple in Cuttack. A large number of devotees visited Jagannath temple to witness the Rajarajeswara besha of the holy Trinity.
The nation also observed the day as Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a tweet said “My greeting to all on #Gurunanak Jyanti, May the holy teachings of Guru Nanak guide us through the right path in our lives”.
Patnaik also offered his wishes to the people of the state on holy Kartik Purnima and Boita Bandan Ustav. He said it is an identity of the rich maritime trade of Odia Sadhabs and pride and prosperity of the past.
Recollecting the glorious past, the Chief Minister called on the people to work for the development of Odisha.
Meanwhile, Baliyatra, the 10-day trade fair to commemorate the sea voyages, commenced today on the banks of Mahanadi river at Cuttack. Similar yatra was also organised at Bhubaneswar and Paradip.