duration of voyage for ships to Southeast Asian island countries in ancient times. Maritime folklore The maritime links to Kartik Purnima are also preserved through the means of folklore like songs and plays. One such old folk tale is about Ta'apoi () which dates to around 13th-14th century CE. The story describes a wealthy sadhaba family which consists of a wealthy widower merchant who had seven sons and a daughter named Ta'apoi. The daughter being the youngest in the family was doted on by her father and brothers. The merchant decided to take his sons on a trading voyage leaving Ta'apoi behind in the care of his seven daughters-in-law. Unfortunately it didn't go well as they secretly resented her and made Ta'poi do all the household work and even made her starve may times. Months after enduring physical and mental abuse Ta'apoi ran away to the forest and prayed to Goddess Mangala (a form of Goddess Durga) who showered her blessings and a few days later, her father and brothers return unexpectedly. Realising what had happened, they brought Ta'apoi back and punished the sisters-in-law for their misdeeds. This folk tale hence points out the tradition of long voyages and also expresses the inner anxieties of the merchants and their family members. Khudurukuni Osha The Ta'apoi folktale has hence formed the base for one of the popular religious festivals of the Odia community practiced by unmarried girls who keep a fast (ବ୍ରତ brata) in the month of Bhadraba for the well-being of their brothers and future husbands. The folktale's incorporation as the Khudurukuni Osha festival ( khudurukuṇī oṣā) is an important indicator of the preservation of maritime folk traditions of the region. Gallery References Festivals in Odisha Odia culture Cultural history of Odisha Maritime history of India October observances November observances Maritime culture