Kartik Purnima Celebration: Today marks the auspicious occasion of Kartika Purnima, the final day of the sacred month of Kartika. The tradition of boat floating on this day has been observed since ancient times. In the past, merchants, known as Sadhabas, would set sail for trade on this day. In memory of those voyages, the Boita Bandana or boat floating festival is celebrated across Odisha.
This occasion has attracted a massive crowd at Puri Beach today. From early morning, thousands of people gathered at the beach to perform rituals and float boats. The crowd reflects the spirit of the ancient Sadhabas embarking on trade voyages. Devotees who traveled to Puri to observe the Kartika fasting also joined the boat floating festivities.
After floating their boats in the sea, devotees visit the Shree Mandir for a sacred glimpse of Lord Jagannath.
