Cuttack Balijatra or Bali Yatra is regarded as one of the largest open air trade festival in Asia and commemorates the rich maritime history of Odisha. In recent time various other cities of Odisha like Pradeep, Bhubaneswar, and other have started organizing Balijatra themes trade fairs, but the Cuttack Balijatra have remained the main attraction with a fair ground of 40+ acers on the banks of Mahanadi river.
Odisha’s Maritime History
On Kartika Purnima, which comes around the end of October and November, people of Odisha gather near river, ponds, water tanks and sea shores to float miniature paper boats or boats made up of dried banana tree barks, and cork to commemorate the ancient maritime trade. The activity called “biota-bandana (ବୋଇତ ବନ୍ଦାଣ)” or “danga-bhasa (ଡଙ୍ଗା ଭସା)” is not only celebrated in Cuttack but across Odisha to give respect to our ancient traders called “Sadhabas” who established trade routes with countries like Srilanka, Bali, Java, Sumatra, etc.. Peoples take out their miniature boats and gather near their nearest water bodies early in the morning with a lamp (candle), pana-patra (betel leaf) and a gua (supari) in it and float the same with great spirit by singing the song “Aa Ka Ma Boi, Pana Gua Thoi – Pana Gua Tora, Masaka Dharama Mora.” The song tells about the importance of four months that are important for marine merchants (Sadhabas) of Kalinga (the earlier name of Odisha).
Coming to the ancient maritime history, due to the geographical location of Kalinga (present day Odisha), this area saw the growth of ports as early as the 4th and the 5th century BC. The time of Kartik Purnima is preferred to start the voyage due to favorable wind blowing during this time. The “Sadhabas” made large wooden wind-powered boats called “Boitas” where “Ajhala” or big fabric sails were used to harness the wind power. These ships/boats had copper hulls and could carry up to seven hundred men and animals in a single voyage. During that time the Bay of Bengal was know as Kalinga Sea due to the large dominance of Kalingas over the sea routs. Interestingly Kalidasa in his writing Raghuvamsa even referred to the King of Kalinga as “The Lord of the Sea”. The Kalingas frequently traded with the island of Bali and also formed settlements that latter influenced its culture and traditions. As we know today Hinduism is well blended today with Bali’s culture. The Odisha State Maritime Museum (https://www.odishastatemaritimemuseum.org/) which has been set up after renovation of the Jobra Workshop showcases the rich maritime history of Odisha and importance of Cuttack.
Balijatra/ Bali Yatra
The term Balijatra or Bali Yatra literally means ‘Voyage to Bali’ and every year this great maritime history is celebrated in a week-long trade fair in the river banks of Mahanadi (Tala Padia/ Lower Fair Ground) and near Barabati Fort (Upara Padia/Upper Fair Ground) in the city of Cuttack. The trade fair of Balijatra have several attractions of children’s, various trade stalls and food stalls serving Odia and other delicacies like, Dahibara-Aludum, Thunka Puri, GupChup, Mathura Cake, etc.). The total fair ground is spread across 40+acers of land with almost 1000+ small and large stalls from across India coming up and showcasing art, traditional items, household craft, food items, etc. The trade fair is organised jointly by Cuttack District Administration, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and District Cultural Council. The fair of Balijatra is know to generate businesses in tune of 100+ crores for the traders.
State government has accorded the annual fair ‘State level festival’ status and have urged the Centre to accord ‘National Maritime Heritage Festival’ tag to Balijatra.
Balijatra-2022 Key Facts
- Total Parking: 40 acres
- Food Stalls: 600+
- Government Stalls: 300+
- Corporate Stalls: 200+
- ORMAS Total Area Of Pallishree Mela: 5 acres+ with 400+ Stalls
- Green Zone Total Area: 12 acres+ (200 trees beautified)
Special Attractions/Provisions
- Cuttack in Cuttack Enclosure
- Laser Show
- Provision of e-rickshaw
- Joy Rides
- Food Court
- Sand Art
- Cultural Programs
References and Further Readings regarding Balijatra
https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/living-culture/yatra-bali
https://indianculture.gov.in/stories/bali-yatra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali_Jatra
http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/