CM Mohan Majhi Inaugurates Bali Yatra 2023: A Seven-Day Maritime Trade Fair in Cuttack |
Cuttack: Chief minister Mohan Majhi inaugurated the seven-day maritime trade fair, Bali Yatra, on Friday at Gadagadia Ghat along the Mahanadi river, marking the auspicious occasion of Kartika Purnima. The iconic fair, scheduled until November 22, drew over six lakh visitors on its opening day.
Accompanied by deputy CM Pravati Parida, parliamentarians, MLAs and diplomats from 14 countries, Majhi participated in the traditional boat ride from Silver City boat club’s Naval jetty to Baishnab Pani Mancha, commemorating the ancient maritime trade routes of Sadhabas to Southeast Asian countries.
“This year’s fair features 2,500 stalls, including 500 by ORMAS, showcasing various handicrafts and household goods,” Cuttack collector Dattatraya Shinde said. The administration expects footfall to exceed 80 lakh visitors during the festival.
A spectacular drone show featuring 400 drones illuminated the Mahanadi riverfront, depicting Odisha’s cultural heritage through formations of ancient ships, temples and the Jagannath Temple chariots. The evening also witnessed a synchronised musical fireworks display and performances by artists from Bali and Indonesia, including a special concert by Padma Shri Anup Jalota.
The fair ground has been equipped with 385 toilets and chemical spraying has been implemented to control dust. A special pavilion, ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’, showcases the evolution of Odia cinema, screening classics like ‘Sita Bibaha’ and ‘Heera Neela’.
“The energy here is incredible this time,” Reeta Pradhan, a visitor from Bhubaneswar, said. Another visitor, Sanjit Giri, praised the fair’s diverse offerings ‘from pins to luxury cars’.
The festival features numerous food stalls, amusement rides and cultural programs, making it a comprehensive celebration of Odisha’s maritime heritage and contemporary culture.
Accompanied by deputy CM Pravati Parida, parliamentarians, MLAs and diplomats from 14 countries, Majhi participated in the traditional boat ride from Silver City boat club’s Naval jetty to Baishnab Pani Mancha, commemorating the ancient maritime trade routes of Sadhabas to Southeast Asian countries.
“This year’s fair features 2,500 stalls, including 500 by ORMAS, showcasing various handicrafts and household goods,” Cuttack collector Dattatraya Shinde said. The administration expects footfall to exceed 80 lakh visitors during the festival.
A spectacular drone show featuring 400 drones illuminated the Mahanadi riverfront, depicting Odisha’s cultural heritage through formations of ancient ships, temples and the Jagannath Temple chariots. The evening also witnessed a synchronised musical fireworks display and performances by artists from Bali and Indonesia, including a special concert by Padma Shri Anup Jalota.
The fair ground has been equipped with 385 toilets and chemical spraying has been implemented to control dust. A special pavilion, ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’, showcases the evolution of Odia cinema, screening classics like ‘Sita Bibaha’ and ‘Heera Neela’.
“The energy here is incredible this time,” Reeta Pradhan, a visitor from Bhubaneswar, said. Another visitor, Sanjit Giri, praised the fair’s diverse offerings ‘from pins to luxury cars’.
The festival features numerous food stalls, amusement rides and cultural programs, making it a comprehensive celebration of Odisha’s maritime heritage and contemporary culture.
