Bali Jatra is one of the biggest trade fairs of Odisha and lasts for eight days. Bali Jatra means trip to Bali. It is held on a
full moon day in the month of Kartik, which is considered the most auspicious of the 12 months of the calendar, which coincides with the months of October–November according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is held at the Gadgadiya Ghat of the Mahanadi River in the city of Cuttack, Odisha.
Why is the Bali Jatra Festival celebrated?
❀ It is celebrated every year according to the Odia calendar from the day of Kartik Purnima, which falls between the end of October and November.
❀ The festival Bali Jatra (also known as Boita Bandana) literally means a trip to Bali.
❀ It is celebrated to mark the day when ancient sadhabs (Odia sailors) traveled to the remote lands of Bali as well as to Java, Sumatra and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural expansion.
How is Bali Jatra celebrated in Cuttack?
People of Odisha gather to float miniature toy boats made of colored paper near ponds on the banks of Mahanadi, Brahmani river, other rivers, as a symbolic gesture of their ancestors' journey. In Cuttack, Bali Jatra is celebrated every year as a big open fair near the Barabati Fort area with many cultural events, toy stalls, various games and food stalls selling Odia delicacies. For this festival, the people of Odisha gather in large numbers in colorful attire to celebrate its glorious maritime history.
Ancient Bali Jatra Story:
According to legends, the day of Kartik Purnima was considered very auspicious by the traders (Sadabs) of Odisha to visit the islands of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The Indian Navy along with the Odisha State Government planned a visit to Bali known as Kalinga Bali Jatra to celebrate Boita Bandana and to retake the ancient maritime trade route between Odisha and Indonesia.
The festival of Bali Jatra 2022 has recently gained a lot of importance as tourists from far and wide gather here during the festival to witness the culture of Odisha. The Government of Odisha organizes many tours and packages during the festival to give a full look and experience of the state's culture and richness to the tourists.