A trader sells paper boats at Unit-I market in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 15: People across the state are gearing up for the festivities of Kartik Purnima as the holy month of Kartik is all set to conclude this Sunday.

On Sunday, Odias will be celebrating Boita Bandana to relive the maritime glory of the state. In the run up to the celebrations, markets are flooded with multi-coloured boats that will be set afloat on water bodies.

Paper boats, as well as those made of sola or polystyrene, are being sold almost everywhere in the twin cities.

From miniature to grand ones, the boita or boats have a cardboard at the base around which sails made of colourful paper with floral prints are pasted. The boats are also decorated with paper flowers, flags, miniature swans or toys.

Some zari work and laces have also been added on the edges of the boat to give it a gorgeous appearance. Exclusive swan or fish shape boats are especially attractive.

“We have ensured that these boats have some space for lighting an earthen lamp and place some flowers and small food items that people offer to the sea. There is a demand for attractive designs and gorgeous decorations,” said Debu Sahu, a paper boat trader.

“The preparation for a stock of 50,000 boats begins about four months before,” said trader Santosh Tiwari.

While people in Cuttack visit Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers for the ritual, Bhubaneswar residents prefer Bindu Sagar lake, Kuakhai or Daya rivers.