The traditional sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya has successfully completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat and is now gearing up for a new expedition aimed at retracing one of India’s renowned ancient maritime routes, known as the Bali Yatra. A senior officer from the Western Naval Command in Mumbai stated, “The voyage carries deep historical and cultural significance. The term Bali Yatra refers to a major annual festival celebrated in Odisha to commemorate the ancient maritime voyages undertaken by traders and sailors from the region to Southeast Asia.” This celebration begins on Kartika Purnima, when individuals perform the ritual known as Boita Bandana, floating miniature boats in rivers and water bodies as a symbolic tribute to the seafarers who once navigated the Bay of Bengal to destinations like Bali, Java, and Sumatra.
The upcoming expedition is anticipated to be one of the longest traditional sailing missions conducted by the Indian Navy in recent years. Sources indicate that the voyage is expected to commence in November and reach Bali, Indonesia, by February 2027, with the return journey scheduled to start around May 2027 and conclude by June 2027. Officials noted that the exact route is still being finalized, as the mission necessitates meticulous planning due to its scale and duration. “Since it is one of the longest routes, we will have to plan minutely — right from rationing to weather conditions. The crew is excited to explore the ancient route,” a senior naval officer remarked.
Historians associate this maritime tradition with the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, after whom the vessel is named. Long before European explorers ventured into Southeast Asia, Kaundinya sailed from India to the Mekong delta, establishing political and cultural connections that shaped the region’s early history. Historical accounts reveal that Kaundinya not only set up trade networks but also married a local queen, founding a lineage that became integral to early Cambodian history. Sources added, “The crew will explore the route and pay tribute to the rich maritime legacy that established strong links between India and Southeast Asian countries. The cultural connections are still visible in many of these nations.”
Currently docked at the naval base in Karwar, INSV Kaundinya will undergo maintenance and repairs before the mission. The crew, having received extensive training at the base, successfully completed the vessel’s maiden voyage. Naval officers expressed confidence that the experience gained during the Porbandar-Muscat expedition will enhance the team’s preparation for the longer and more challenging Bali Yatra. “We are better prepared since we now have strong references from the maiden voyage. The crew is already trained and their morale is high, so it will be a confident journey,” sources stated. This expedition is expected to underscore India’s ancient seafaring traditions while raising awareness about the country’s historic maritime ties with Southeast Asia.
