Kartika Purnima (Boita Bandana), 2019

On the morning of the 10th of November, members of the OSCAN family braved the 3 degree Centigrade temperature in Amsterdam to celebrate Odisha’s Maritime History on the occasion of Kartika Masha.

A small gathering was initially planned for Boita Bandana. But with more people showing interest to participate a celebration was organised.

For all of us living abroad, what unites us is our shared nostalgia of our customs and traditions back home. Very soon we had an august gathering of OSCAN family members.

What followed, was a morning of fun and merriment, with delicious food, great company and a vibrant discussion on our rich history of Kalinga’s peaceful Maritime dominance in South Asia from 900 BC to the 12th century AD.

Singada, Kakara, Jhal-Mudhi and Chaa served at the event brought back memories of Odisha’s culinary diversity which our attending European guests were delighted to sample.

Eventually, we parted ways with the promise to meet again, hopefully to celebrate Chhadakhai 😉