The Nabakhoti Khandua Silk Saree with a special Boita Bandana theme on the pallu and Dongria-style contrast borders is traditionally worn during specific festivals and cultural events in Odisha that celebrate regional heritage and rituals.
Significance of Wearing This Saree in Odisha
Boita Bandana Theme: This theme commemorates the ancient maritime tradition of Odisha, particularly the Boita Bandana festival celebrated on Kartik Purnima. The motifs of boats and sailors on the pallu symbolize the historic voyages of Odia mariners (Sadhabas) to Southeast Asia for trade and cultural exchange. Sarees featuring this theme are often worn during festivals that honor Odisha’s seafaring legacy and cultural pride.
Dongria-style Contrast Borders: The Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha is known for their distinctive textile art, which includes intricate temple and mountain motifs on saree borders and pallus. These borders reflect the tribe’s deep connection with nature, the sacred Niyamgiri hills, and their cultural identity. Dongria-style sarees are traditionally worn during tribal festivals, rituals, and ceremonies that celebrate the tribe’s heritage and reverence for nature.
Occasions for Wearing
Regional Festivals: Sarees with Boita Bandana and Dongria motifs are favored during key Odia festivals such as Boita Bandana festival itself, Kartik Purnima, and other cultural celebrations like Rath Yatra and Durga Puja.
Cultural and Religious Events: These sarees are worn during religious ceremonies and rituals that pay homage to local deities, nature gods, and ancestral traditions.
Tribal Gatherings and Rituals: Dongria Kondh inspired sarees are especially significant in tribal community events, where the motifs symbolize their spiritual beliefs and connection to the land.
Heritage Celebrations: Wearing such sarees expresses pride in Odisha’s rich cultural tapestry, making them popular choices for cultural programs, weddings, and traditional gatherings.
In summary, the Nabakhoti Khandua Silk Saree with Boita Bandana theme and Dongria-style borders is a culturally resonant garment worn during Odisha’s festivals and rituals that celebrate maritime history, tribal heritage, and regional identity