Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Odisha CM Inaugurates Bali Jatra, Announces Grants and Development Plans
Odisha's Chief Minister recently opened a big, week-long festival called Bali Jatra in the city of Cuttack.
This festival is a celebration of the state's old tradition of sailing to faraway lands to trade.
The Chief Minister also gave more money to help the festival, increasing the grant from 2 crore rupees to 10 crore rupees.
He also shared plans to make the riverfront in Cuttack look much nicer, costing 200 crore rupees.
The festival has a special theme this year about the Odia language and literature, with a whole section showing off books and writers.
It's one of the largest outdoor fairs in Asia, with thousands of stalls.
The government also wants to get a special world heritage status for the festival and make Cuttack famous for its silver crafts.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the annual Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack on Wednesday.
The government grant for the festival was increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore.
A Rs 200 crore plan for the beautification of the Mahanadi riverfront in Cuttack was announced.
The festival theme is 'Aama Bhasha Aama Sahitya' (Our Language, Our Literature), highlighting Odia literary works.
The week-long fair, one of Asia's largest open-air festivals, commemorates Odisha's ancient maritime trading history and will feature 2,500 stalls.
- Who
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
- What
- Inaugurated the Bali Jatra festival, announced grants and development plans.
- When
- Wednesday, November 5
- Where
- Cuttack, on the banks of the Mahanadi River
- Why
- To celebrate Odisha's ancient maritime heritage, promote its culture and literature, and foster economic development.
Government Initiatives
Community/Festival Aspects
Funding for the Festival
Government Initiatives
The state government has significantly increased its grant for the Bali Jatra festival from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore.
Community/Festival Aspects
The festival is a significant cultural event with a history tied to ancient maritime trade and is observed annually.
Development Projects
Government Initiatives
The Chief Minister announced a Rs 200 crore plan for Mahanadi riverfront beautification and mentioned ongoing development for Barabati Fort, Gadakhai, Dhabaleeshwar Peetha, and Nandi Kishore Peetha.
Community/Festival Aspects
The festival itself, one of Asia's largest open-air fairs, is spread over 20 acres with 2,500 makeshift stalls and is being held for seven days.
Cultural Significance and Recognition
Government Initiatives
The government is working towards securing UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Bali Jatra and aims to develop Cuttack into a silver filigree hub.
Community/Festival Aspects
The festival's theme, 'Aama Bhasha Aama Sahitya' (Our Language, Our Literature), highlights Odia language and literature, with a dedicated pavilion showcasing literary works.
- Festival Name
- Bali Jatra
- Location
- Banks of Mahanadi River, Cuttack, Odisha
- Inauguration Date
- Wednesday, November 5
- Duration
- Seven days (until November 12)
- Festival Theme
- Aama Bhasha Aama Sahitya (Our Language, Our Literature)
- Government Grant Increase
- From Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore
- Mahanadi Riverfront Beautification Plan Cost
- Rs 200 crore
- Stall Count
- 2,500 makeshift stalls
