Experience Maritime Heritage at Bali Yatra’s South-East Asian Pavilion | Bhubaneswar News
Cuttack: The historic Bali Yatra festival is set to feature a unique South-East Asian countries pavilion this year, highlighting the ancient maritime ties between Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) and South-East Asian nations. The maritime festival begins on Friday with participation from eight countries.
“The pavilion aims to create awareness about Kalinga’s rich maritime history and the trade routes of Odia Sadhabas,” Cuttack collector Dattatraya Shinde said, adding, “Visitors will get to experience our shared cultural heritage.”
Located on the lower grounds of Bali Yatra along the Mahanadi riverbank, the pavilion will showcase a pictorial mask exhibition demonstrating Odisha’s cultural influence in Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The facility features 15 stalls displaying various artifacts, including ancient coins, terracotta items and ikat saris, highlighting centuries-old trade connections. The pavilion’s design incorporates Odisha’s famous Jiranga Gate at the entrance and Indonesian architecture at the exit, symbolising the cultural fusion.
“We have created detailed displays showing the similarities in dance forms, temple architecture, mythological relations and traditional attire between Odisha and South-East Asian nations,” said Bhagyalipi Malla, state museum superintendent and pavilion in-charge.
A digital map highlighting maritime trade routes, important ports and sea voyages will be on display. The exhibition also includes information about ancient Cuttack, the history of Bali Yatra, and the Jobra Maritime Museum, along with designer boitas (traditional boats).
The initiative aims to educate visitors about Odisha’s maritime legacy and its historical connections with South-East Asian countries, preserving the cultural heritage that has evolved through centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
“The pavilion aims to create awareness about Kalinga’s rich maritime history and the trade routes of Odia Sadhabas,” Cuttack collector Dattatraya Shinde said, adding, “Visitors will get to experience our shared cultural heritage.”
Located on the lower grounds of Bali Yatra along the Mahanadi riverbank, the pavilion will showcase a pictorial mask exhibition demonstrating Odisha’s cultural influence in Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The facility features 15 stalls displaying various artifacts, including ancient coins, terracotta items and ikat saris, highlighting centuries-old trade connections. The pavilion’s design incorporates Odisha’s famous Jiranga Gate at the entrance and Indonesian architecture at the exit, symbolising the cultural fusion.
“We have created detailed displays showing the similarities in dance forms, temple architecture, mythological relations and traditional attire between Odisha and South-East Asian nations,” said Bhagyalipi Malla, state museum superintendent and pavilion in-charge.
A digital map highlighting maritime trade routes, important ports and sea voyages will be on display. The exhibition also includes information about ancient Cuttack, the history of Bali Yatra, and the Jobra Maritime Museum, along with designer boitas (traditional boats).
The initiative aims to educate visitors about Odisha’s maritime legacy and its historical connections with South-East Asian countries, preserving the cultural heritage that has evolved through centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
