Bhubaneswar : Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Wednesday said that the Boita Bandana festival carries a profound message for today’s world, reminding everyone of the harmony between human enterprise and nature’s rhythm. “At a time when we face challenges of environmental degradation, cultural erosion and economic disparity, the Boita Bandana teaches us that prosperity and sustainability can coexist,” the Governor said.
He was addressing the Closing Ceremony of the Chilika Boita Bandana Mahotsav–2025 at Balugaon in Khordha district. The Governor said the sea was respected by the people of ancient Kalinga not as a resource to exploit but as a sacred force to revere. “That same reverence must guide our actions today to preserve Chilika’s fragile ecology, promote sustainable livelihoods and nurture cultural tourism that strengthens both heritage and economy,” he added.
Describing Boita Bandana as more than a ritual, Dr. Kambhampati said it is a celebration of Odisha’s maritime heritage and the courage of its ancient seafarers. “They carried not just goods of trade, but the essence of a civilization—its art, language, compassion and faith,” he said. He highlighted that the ancient voyages from Kalinga were both commercial and cultural, spreading ideas, art, and faith across Southeast Asia. The Governor said that the influence of Odisha’s maritime exchanges can still be seen in architectural marvels like Borobudur in Indonesia and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Dr. Kambhampati commended the Khordha district administration, organizers, artists, and volunteers for keeping this festival alive for over three decades.
Among others, Speaker of the Odisha Assembly Surama Padhy, Minister of Law, Works and Excise Prithviraj Harichandan, eminent litterateur Dr. Bijayananda Singh, and renowned actress Pinki Pradhan also addressed the occasion. The welcome address was delivered by Khordha District Collector Amrit Ruturaj, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dushmanta Harichandan, President of the Working Committee.
