International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 8 Issue 6, Nov-Dec 2024 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Boita Bandana - A Tribute to Utkaliya Maritime Glory

Sanghamitra Behera
Assistant Professor in Odia, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Sanghamitra

In the culture of Utkal, BOITA means the present day ships. Once Behera "Boita Bandana - A Tribute to
upon a time, Utkal was as the main center of sea route trading, Utkaliya Maritime Glory" Published in
commerce and navy on the east coast of India. We can easily find the International Journal
historical connection and evidences of Indian culture in the eastern of Trend in
Scientific Research
Indian ocean countries - and Utkal was the main gateway to export and Development
our culture and products. In the course of time, due to various reasons (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
- such as outside invasion, lack of promotion, blending of local 6470, Volume-8 |
culture, etc. - Utkal gradually lost its dominance in sea route trading. Issue-6, December IJTSRD72746
Just as our festivals tell our history, Kartika Purnima tells the 2024, pp.1051-
glorious sea route trading. It is not just a festival, it is also an 1053, URL:
inspiration and courage that shows Odisha's contribution to shipping www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd72746.pdf
in today's time.
Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
KEYWORDS: Boita bandana, boitaalu, sadhava, kartika purnima, International Journal of Trend in
haribola, balijatra Scientific Research and Development
Journal. This is an
Open Access article
distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

INTRODUCTION
Ancient Odra (now Odisha) had four region i.e. Bandana'. In recent times, it appears that our language
Toshali, Kalinga, Kangoda, Koshala. These were is gradually losing many of its distinctive words.
various bravious kingdom. They were strong for their Upon closer reflection, I realized that the term boita
landmaster. These region lands were tremendous & (boat) bears a striking resemblance to boitaalu(a type
under the Kshyatriyas. But in seashore areas of edible vegetable). This linguistic affinity, referred
Sadhaba's were tremendous success in commercial to as shabda sadruśya in Odia, is grounded in their
communication. Some called them 'Sahukar'. They physical similarity. While boitaaloo remains a staple
were Head & leader of water transports. In different in rural areas, its usage is more prevalent in villages
region there were settled Kaibrata caste. Some than in urban settings. Father declared, "Tomorrow at
recognise them 'Dhiwar' or 'Majhi' or 'Keut'.They dawn, we shall release the boita into the river. Prepare
were built different types of boats, boitas. In technical yourselves early." In anticipation of the event,
purpose the name changed 'Zahaz' (Ship). Today Grandmother fashioned a small boat from a banana
Odisha celebrated 'Boita Bandaana' (Balijatra) in stem, urging us to hurry so as not to miss the sacred
month of Kartika (November). According to criticism ritual. However, I hesitated to embrace her
it is the greatest open festival of World. In otherhand handcrafted offering. Overcome with shyness, I
Khudurukuni Osha, Shanimela, Mangala Osha related visited the market, purchased a vibrant paper and
with Boita trading tradition. thermocol boat. A beautiful quote was inscripted on
that:
Discussion:
That day, my mother was in deep thought, worried "ʌ-kʌ-ɱʌ-bɔi, pʌnɔ gʊʌ ɵoi
about what to cook. It was the month of Kartika, and pʌɳɔ gʊʌ toɾɔ ɱʌsɔkɔ ɗʰɔɾɔɱɔ ɱoɾɔ."
the sacred period of Panchuka was underway, marked The morning dawned, and I emerged, poised to
by austerity and reverence. Father remarked,
launch the boat I had purchased from the market,
"Regardless of anything, 'Boitaalu' must be included
carefully adorned with a lit incense stick. In contrast,
in the curry." By listening the word 'Boitaalu' my Grandmother’s preparation was a vision of reverence
mind wandered to the traditional ritual of 'Boita
and tradition. Cloaked in a timeworn white manda-

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style saree, her hair intricately woven with flowers, In the spiritual practices of the devout and the Odia
and a sacred tilak marking her forehead, she radiated household, offerings are made to ensure prosperity,
a tranquil and dignified grace. Within a delicately and prayers are offered for the well-being of the land
crafted banana-stem vessel, she meticulously and its harvests. The month of Baisakh holds
arranged a sacred assortment of offerings—raw rice, particular significance, as it was during this time that
green gram, boitaalu, taro root, and other traditional the sages would focus on the nation’s economic
elements—imbued with symbolic significance. With prosperity while embarking on journeys in Ashadha.
this humble yet profound creation in hand, she As a result, the months of Kartika and Baisakh were
stepped forward to carry out the revered ritual. As revered as sacred periods, earning great respect.
Grandmother’s resonant huluhuli cries echoed When one observes the course of the year—Baisakh,
through the air, blending harmoniously with Father’s Jyestha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadra, Ashwina,
solemn chants of Haribol, the diminutive boat was Kartika, Margashira, Pousha, Magha, Phalguna, and
gently released into the river's embrace. In that Chaitra—it becomes clear that Baisakh, Ashadha,
moment of spiritual profundity, Grandmother intoned Kartika, and Margashira stand apart, as they are less
an ancient hymn, encapsulating the ritual’s timeless affected by the seasonal changes in the climate. The
sanctity and cultural essence. month of Kartika holds a unique position as the sole
" ʌ-kʌ-ɱʌ-bɔi, pʌnɔ gʊʌ ɵoi period identified as Andira Masa—a time of
pʌɳɔ gʊʌ toɾɔ ɱʌsɔkɔ ɗʰɔɾɔɱɔ ɱoɾɔ." deliberate inactivity—in the cultural consciousness.
During this interval, no auspicious events or
She meticulously arranged the betel leaves and nuts in ceremonies are performed. Yet, it stands apart as a
the boat and set it float. I wondered if Grandmother time of profound spiritual harmony, symbolizing the
had sung a different song. Curiously, I asked, "What confluence of Shiva and Vishnu worship. This duality
did you say, 'Dei'? What is written on my boat as imbues the month with a distinct sanctity, making it a
'Thoi'?" Grandmother responded, "In our time, we period devoted to deep religious observances. It also
sang 'Dei'." I asked, "What does that mean?" marks the return of the pious merchants, or Sadhavas,
Grandmother explained, "It is a lesson you mst to their homeland. They congregated along the
understand. In the past, in our Utkal region, boats riverbanks, reconnecting and engaging in trade, a
were launched from the homes of the udevout. These practice commemorated through the grand festival of
boats would travel from house to house, carrying Bali Jatra. These bustling hubs of exchange, known as
precious offerings, symbolizing wealth and Yani Yatra Sthanas, served as vibrant centers of trade
prosperity. Their prosperity was essential to the and social interaction.
nation's well-being. I have heard that, in ancient
times, during the month of Ashadha, they would The coastal regions, where the Sadhavas moored their
launch their boats, attuned to the arrival of the vessels, transformed into flourishing marketplaces,
monsoon rains and favorable winds. These boats showcasing a variety of imported goods. Over time,
would journey across vast expanses, reaching distant the Bali Jatra celebration has been symbolically
lands such as China, Madrasa, Rangoon, Cambodia, linked with Bali Island, with some traditions
the Bali Islands, Java, Borneo, Vishakhapatnam, Sri substituting the month of Margashira for Magha in
Lanka, the Maldives, Lakshadweep, and Sumatra. By the festival's historical narrative. It remains an
the month of Kartika, they would return to their indisputable fact that civilizations thriving near rivers
homeland. Coastal regions, abundant in betel leaf have consistently demonstrated exceptional prosperity
cultivation, actively participated in these voyages, and fertility. Among the ancient states of eastern
thereby fostering bonds of friendship and enhancing India, Odisha—or Utkala—distinguished itself
trade relations. Once again, the entire world through its vast cultural heritage and historical
acknowledged the profound heritage and significance prominence. Even in the pre-Christian era, Odisha's
of Utkal's traditions. To this day, the custom of valor, strategic geographical position, and rich
offering betel leaves and nuts as part of worship diversity fostered robust trade networks with nations
during our festivals and gatherings continues far and wide. With a sense of reverence and nostalgia,
unabated. Likewise, the tradition of presenting betel Grandmother reflected emotionally on the enduring
leaves when seeking the companionship of friends contributions of the Kaibartta (fisherfolk) community,
persists. Meanwhile, in the months of Kartika and who, across countless generations, have safeguarded
Margashira, the Hemanta season arrives, signaling the and perpetuated these traditions, ensuring their
ripening of crops—a period of abundance for the resilience in the face of changing times. The
people. navigation of Sadhava ships heavily relied on the

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expertise and collaboration of various sub- Similarly, the expertise and craftsmanship of the
communities within the Kaibartta (fisherfolk) clan. Odias in boatbuilding were of the highest caliber.
Key contributors included the Majhi (master Ships, laden with heavy cargo, sailed across the seas.
helmsman), the Tandel (principal assistant), and the The dimensions of the hull and the number of
Khalasi (laborers tasked with unloading cargo). Their compartments, typically ranging from six to twelve,
collective skills were indispensable to the seamless were determined by the size of the ship. A hull that
functioning of maritime endeavors. The mention of was too large posed the danger of the ship capsizing
“Akamabai” subtly alludes to the Majhis, who were in strong winds, while one that was too small could
traditionally accorded great respect for their vital role impede the ship's ability to navigate the seas
in steering and commanding the vessels. During this effectively. The hulls were known by various names,
period, Odisha was actively involved in both internal including Kalami, Daria, Pela, Tavar, Sabar, and
and external trade. Unlike modern times, the Karaju, among others. Prior to the arrival of the
distinction between domestic and international trade British, Upendra Bhanja had referred to the boatmen
was not as clearly defined. However, the region (Kayberts) as 'scientific boatmen.' The poet Fakir
constantly faced threats from pirates, including the Mohan Senapati affirmed the accuracy of this claim.
infamous Bomwatiyas. Ancient Utkala was home to Moreover, from the month of Kartika to Chaitra, the
several strategically positioned ports along its ships were carefully prepared. However, when the
coastline, which played a crucial role in facilitating southern winds blew, the ships were unable to sail out
maritime trade. of the river mouth.
By the mid-19th century, Fakir Mohan Senapati, a Conclusion:
distinguished Odia writer, brought attention to The decline of the port also led to the deterioration of
Odisha’s maritime history. He observed, “Three traditional trade practices. Three main factors
hundred years ago, long before Bengal rose to contributed to this decline: firstly, the closure of
prominence, merchants from Holland, France, saltpans and the imposition of taxes by foreign
Denmark, and England had already established trade governments; secondly, the arrival of steamships and
posts at Balasore Port” (Galpaswalpa, Part II, p. 32, railways during the colonial era; and thirdly, the
Friends Publishers, Cuttack, 7th Edition, 2006). He commercial interests of foreign powers, which
reiterated this point in a different context, stating, disrupted the functioning of the river ports, leading to
“Long before Bengal gained recognition, Western the collapse of Odisha's traditional maritime and
traders such as the Danes, Dutch, French, and English trading activities. Today, we continue to preserve this
had already made their mark at Balasore Port” heritage, honoring it through our festivals and rituals,
(Tataiba, p. 84).During this period, three types of keeping its memory alive as an integral part of our
ships operated at Balasore Port: Khorap (large ships), cultural legacy.
Sulup (medium-sized ships), and Douni (small ships).
Reference:
The Khorap vessels, built for long-distance journeys,
[1] Autobiography of Fakir Mohan Senapati,
facilitated trade between Odisha and distant regions
(Edited by Manoranjan Pradhan), Agradoot,
such as Lakshadweep and Colombo. Among the
First Edition, 2005.
prominent exports were Odisha's renowned Matihandi
(earthen cooking pots), which were highly sought [2] Galpaswalpa (Part Two) by Fakir Mohan
after in Lakshadweep. These pots were exchanged in Senapati, Friends Publishers, Cuttack, Seventh
a barter system for Nariyal (coconuts). At its peak, Edition, 2006.
shipbuilding and maritime trade thrived in Odisha, [3] Indian Renaissance Through the Ages: by
supported by a significant number of shipowners. Naveen Kumar Sahu, Publisher: Mrs. Saraswati
Historical records indicate that the state’s coastline, as Sahu, Barpali, Sambalpur, First Print, 1955.
depicted in modern maps, was instrumental in
shaping its maritime heritage, with a substantial [4] Maritime Trade of Odisha and Southeast Asian
portion of Odisha bordering the sea. Studies, Department of Culture, Bhubaneswar.

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