Kartika Purnima Celebrations in Odisha

Kartika Purnima festival is a saint in Orissa, celebrated in the month of Kartik. This is a practice among Oriya to abandon non-vegetarian like fish, meat and eggs for the month of Kartik.

But those who are unable to refrain from non-vegetarian food during the month, has the option to abandon for five days from Panchuka.There is a proverb that says that even in Oriya crane bird hunting fish not touch the fish during these five days. Kartika Purnima Festival in Orissa marks the culmination of all the religious festivals celebrated in the month of Karthik, which is considered the most auspicious month for 12 months in a calendar year, on full moon day in November - December.

Kartika Purnima is important to the ancient history of Orissa. This recalls the maritime glory of the state. In ancient times the "Sadhabas" (Sea traders) used to sail to distant islands like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Ceylon, etc., to trade for big boats ("Boita"). Women have been giving the community a warm send that same day. The days are gone, but the memory lives on. Now people float small boats made of cork and colored paper or bark of the banyan tree, while recalling the past glory. This is called "Boita Bandana".