As the golden month of Kartik draws to a close, Odisha comes alive with the celebration of Bali Yatra, one of the grandest cultural festivals symbolizing the state’s glorious maritime history. On this auspicious day, Odias remember their ancestors, the brave Sadhabas (ancient mariners), who once set sail to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange. Among the many beautiful rituals associated with this festival, the most unique and symbolic one is “Aka Ma Boi Pana Gua Thoi.”
What is Aka Ma Boi Pana Gua Thoi?
The phrase “Aka Ma Boi Pana Gua Thoi” is an old Odia saying that carries deep meaning and sentiment. It is traditionally recited by women and children on the full moon day of Kartik Purnima as they float paper boats or small boats made of banana stems in ponds, rivers, and lakes.
The words roughly translate to:
“O Mother River, here I offer you betel leaves, areca nut, and my prayers for safe voyages and good fortune.”
This ritual act is performed to honor the river goddess and to symbolically mark the beginning of the ancient sea voyages undertaken by Odia traders. The offering of pana (betel leaf) and gua (areca nut) represents respect, purity, and the wish for prosperity. It also reflects the Odia community’s gratitude toward water, which sustained their livelihood and connected them with the wider world.
The Spirit of Bali Yatra
Bali Yatra, literally meaning “Voyage to Bali,” is celebrated in Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi River. The festival commemorates the time when Odia Sadhabas would begin their long journey overseas after performing Boita Bandana (worship of boats). It marks a harmonious blend of devotion, trade, and tradition.
At sunrise on Kartik Purnima, devotees gather near water bodies carrying miniature boats made of paper, cork, or banana bark decorated with diyas, betel leaves, and gua. As they release the boats while chanting “Aka Ma Boi Pana Gua Thoi,” the sight becomes a beautiful reminder of Odisha’s glorious maritime era.
The historic Bali yatra, celebrating Odisha’s rich maritime legacy, begins today in Odisha’s Cuttack district. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the carnival this afternoon in the presence of Indonesia Ambassador Ina H. Krisnamurthi.
The grand carnival, touted as Asia’s largest open-air trade carnival, will continue till November 12. It spans over 60 acres, featuring shopping, entertainment, and a wide variety of food stalls.
Thousands of traders have already set up their stalls, expecting lakhs of visitors each day.
Sharing a video on ‘X’, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi wishes all on the auspicious occasion of Bali yatra.
Cultural and Social Significance
The chant and ritual connect generations of Odias with their ancestral roots. It teaches children the value of respecting nature and remembering one’s heritage. The ritual also highlights Odisha’s ancient trade links and its contribution to the spread of Indian art, spirituality, and commerce across Southeast Asia.
Bali Yatra is not just a religious observance but a grand social carnival today. The Cuttack Bali Yatra fair attracts lakhs of visitors from across the country, featuring cultural performances, Odia delicacies, traditional crafts, and exhibitions showcasing the maritime legacy of Kalinga.
Reviving the Maritime Spirit
The modern celebration of Bali Yatra continues to evolve, blending age-old traditions with contemporary cultural expressions. Yet, at its heart, the chant “Aka Ma Boi Pana Gua Thoi” still echoes the same emotion — a prayer for safe journeys, prosperity, and eternal connection to Odisha’s sacred rivers and seafaring past.
As diyas float gently on the water and the air fills with devotion, this age-old chant reminds every Odia of the pride and resilience that define their heritage.
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