Odisha’s ancient maritime heritage stands as a living testament to history, continually inspiring its people, said Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida today.

Speaking at the India Maritime 2025 event here, she highlighted how the state’s seafaring warriors, known as Sadhavas, navigated grand voyages on Boita ships to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Thailand, amassing untold wealth for their homeland. Archaeological excavations further reveal deep-rooted trade ties with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, underscoring Odisha’s pivotal role in ancient global commerce.

Parida described the Boita Bandana festival and the Cuttack Bali Yatra – recognized as Asia’s largest open-air trade fair – as vivid embodiments of this storied nautical legacy. “These traditions not only connect

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