I know I repeat myself but this is another interesting tradition from your country :) You have so many of them! This one kind of reminds me of our (Czech) Christmas tradition where we put little candles in empty walnut shells and float these as miniature boats in the bathroom sink or tub :) It looks like this:
(the photo is not mine though)
Anyway, Happy Boita Bandana to you and your family! :)
May be those old days of sailing and trading were same in both places. Why not try to start something new in your place by doing this in an open river - everyone loves fun.