Habisa Dalma is a very special and traditional recipe of Odisha. Which is prepared in the month of Kartik. This month is considered to be the most sacred among all the twelve months of the year.
Many odias ( people of Odisha ) observe 'habisa' in which only 'satwik' ( veg without onion, garlic, and mustard oil )food is taken. It is a special kind of dal which is of medium thick consistency and prepared without turmeric. It normally serves with 'arua anna' ( cooked raw rice ). On the auspicious day of 'Kartika Purnima' ( the last day of the month-the full moon day) men, women and children across Odisha head for the nearest water body to set afloat 'boitas' ( toy boats made of banana branches, sticks, and paper ) with lamp, flowers, fruits and coins. It is named as 'Boita Bandana'.