Cuttack | November 5, 2025: The historic Bali Yatra, celebrating Odisha’s glorious maritime legacy, kicked off with grandeur today on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the week-long cultural and trade extravaganza in the presence of Indonesia’s Ambassador Ina H. Krisnamurthi, symbolizing the age-old trade ties between Odisha (ancient Kalinga) and Southeast Asia.
The iconic fair, often described as Asia’s largest open-air trade carnival, will run till November 12, transforming both the upper and lower riverbanks of the Mahanadi into a vibrant cultural hub.
Celebrating Odisha’s Maritime Glory
Bali Yatra—literally meaning Voyage to Bali—commemorates the historic voyages of Kalinga traders who once sailed to distant lands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka centuries ago. The event has evolved into a massive social, cultural, and commercial celebration attracting lakhs of visitors every year.
This year’s edition spans over 60 acres, with around 1,700 stalls featuring everything from traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and tribal art to modern lifestyle and tech products. The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and various states have set up dedicated pavilions to promote local entrepreneurship and rural craftsmanship.
‘Cuttack in Cuttack’: Showcasing Odia Pride
A key highlight of the 2025 Bali Yatra is the ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’ segment, a unique initiative to showcase the art, culture, literature, and language of Odisha.
This pavilion aims to offer visitors a deep dive into the city’s heritage—its silver filigree work, traditional cuisine, local art forms, and literary richness.
Cultural Nights and Celebrity Line-Up
The festival will also feature a series of cultural performances, blending folk traditions with modern entertainment.
Renowned Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, along with popular Ollywood artists, will perform live, adding glamour to the heritage event.
Tight Security and Crowd Management
With lakhs of people expected to throng the fairgrounds daily, the Commissionerate Police has implemented foolproof security arrangements.
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Over 20 control rooms have been set up for real-time coordination.
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The entire area is under CCTV and drone surveillance.
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Adequate police personnel have been deployed for crowd control, with special teams monitoring entry and exit points.
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A comprehensive traffic and parking plan is in place to prevent congestion.
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The Fire Services Department has stationed multiple fire tenders across the venue, maintaining round-the-clock emergency readiness.
A Fusion of Heritage, Trade, and Tourism
Bali Yatra continues to serve as a melting pot of heritage, trade, and cultural exchange, attracting not only locals but also tourists and traders from across India and abroad.
As the aroma of Odia street food, the rhythm of traditional music, and the energy of millions of visitors fill the air, Cuttack once again transforms into a celebration of Odisha’s glorious past and dynamic present.
