Bhubaneswar:
Today is Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. On this auspicious day, just at daybreak, men, women and children across coastal Orissa head for the nearest water body to set afloat toy boats with lamps, betel leaves, crackers fruits and coins.
Known as the Boito Bondano or Boat Festival, this is supposed to be a mass commemoration of the maritime glory of the people of Orissa, which was known as Kalinga in ancient times. But some believe the tradition is meant to offer prayers to the ancestors.
The Toy Boat Festival also marks the end of a month-long abstinence from non-vegetarian food for most Oriya families and the beginning of the Bali Jatra along the banks of Mahandi river in Cuttack.
Also, the day formally puts an end to the celebrations in the name of Diwali while marking the commencement of the month-long Ganga Snan fair organised by many across the country.
Arrangements have been made to facilitate Kartik Snan in Gomti. Kartik Snan is said to be of great importance on this day. It is believed that all sins get washed away through this ritual.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway at Gurudwaras all over the country for celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, the founder of Sikhism.