About Boita bandana utsav
Boita bandana utshava and Bali yatra are two important annual events held on the Kartika purnima. They mark the conclusion of all religious activities of Kartika month which is considered as the most holy month of the lunar year. Both are the reminiscent of maritime trade that once flourished in the State. Boita bandana utshava is a socio-religious festival whereas, Bali yatra is a large trade fair.
The celebrations trace their origins to ancient times when Kalinga, now the modern state of Orissa, was the hub of inland and foreign commerce and industry in the Indian subcontinent. It had strong business and cultural ties with other lands such as Bali, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, China and Thailand.
