Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the much-awaited Bali Yatra, one of Asia’s largest trade and cultural fairs, on the bank of the river Mahanadi in Cuttack, marking the start of the celebrations of the state’s ancient maritime glory and cultural heritage.
The annual fair, one of the largest open-air fairs in Asia, which got off to a colourful start in Cuttack, will continue for seven days till November 12, an official said.
CM Majhi extended his best wishes to traders, visitors, and cultural performers participating in the event.
According to the Cuttack district administration, the Bali Jatra theme this year is “Aama Bhasha Aama Sahitya” (Our Language, Our Literature), which highlights the gravity of the Odia language and literature.
For the first time, a special “Cuttack-In-Cuttack” pavilion has been dedicated entirely to showcasing Odia literary works, writers, and the evolution of the language through the centuries, the official further stated.
The massive The Bali Jatra fair is spread across more than 20 acres, featuring two fairgrounds and approximately 2,500 makeshift stalls. Both the district administration and the police have made elaborate security and logistical arrangements for the massive event, the official added.
ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha
ଐତିହାସିକ କଟକ 'ବାଲିଯାତ୍ରା -୨୦୨୫' ଉତ୍ସବ ଅବସରରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ନୌବାଣିଜ୍ୟ ପରମ୍ପରା ସମ୍ପର୍କରେ ମତ ରଖିଛନ୍ତି। pic.twitter.com/rzWsANCWSM— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) November 5, 2025
The Bali Jatra commemorates Odisha’s ancient maritime glory and its sea-sailing tradition. It is held in remembrance of the Odia ‘Sadhabas’ (traders) who embarked on long trade voyages to places like erstwhile Bali, Java, and Sumatra in vessels known as ‘Boita,’ starting their journey on the day of Kartika Purnima.
“To commemorate that glorious event, Odisha observes this Bali Jatra fair in Cuttack,” the official said.
