Kartik Purnima & Bali Yatra

The Full Moon Day or 15th Purnima day of the Shukla paksha (waxing moon) of the Karttika month is Kartik Purnima or Karttika Poornima, also known as Tripuri Poornima or Tripurari Punrima that is considered very auspicious by the Hindus during which  Dev Deepavali or Deepotsavam and Ganga Mahotsav are observed. 

This day marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demons Tripuri. The Kartik Purnima festival also coincides with the Jain light festival and Guru Nanak's Birthday. It is believed that annually on the day of Kartik purnima, the gods descend on earth and reside in the sacred rivers. Ganges and other sacred rivers have elaborate ceremonies on this day. Devotees who bathe in the sacred rivers on these days can also get rid of their negative poisons and receive the blessings from all the Gods of the India.

Another festival that takes place in the morning is significant to the ancient history of Odisha. This reminds the maritime glory of the State. In olden days the 'Sadhabas' (Sea traders) used to sail off to distant islands like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Ceylon etc. for their trade by huge boats ('Boita'). The women of the community were giving them a hearty send off on this day. The days are now gone, but the memory is still alive. Now, people float tiny boats made out of cork and coloured paper or bark of the banyan tree while reminiscing the past glory. This is called "Boita Bandana".

The Silver City of Cuttack – the Ex capital of the state, huge images of "Kartikeswar" are built and worshipped. 

Held over 3-4 days from this auspicious day, the world famous fair of Bali Yatra on the bank of river Mahanadi is attended by thousands of enthusiasts and is marked with fun and frolic at the riverbanks where countless shops selling food, clothes, curios and miscellaneous items and swings come up during the evenings.