The historic Bali Yatra, a grand annual celebration symbolising Odisha’s glorious maritime past and trade relations with Southeast Asian nations, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday evening, coinciding with Kartik Purnima. The festival, held on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack, commemorates the ancient sea voyages of Odia traders, known as Sadhabas, who once sailed to distant lands like Indonesia, Bali, Java, and Sumatra to foster trade and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony organised by the noted poet Ganakabi Baishnaba Pani, the Chief Minister hailed Bali Yatra as a “living symbol of Odisha’s courage, determination, and maritime heritage.” He emphasised that the festival is not merely a trade fair but a reflection of the state’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ethos.
“Bali Yatra stands as a timeless reminder of the indomitable spirit of our ancestors who ventured across the seas with courage and vision. It connects us to our glorious maritime past and represents Odisha’s artistic and cultural vibrancy,” said CM Majhi.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving Odisha’s cultural heritage while pursuing development, the Chief Minister said, “Our government is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’—development with heritage. The Bali Yatra festival is a living testimony to this philosophy.”
Rs 10 crore grant for Bali yatra and new development plans
Announcing a significant financial boost, CM Majhi revealed that the state government has increased its grant for the Bali Yatra festival from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore starting this year. He further declared plans to transform Cuttack, also known as the “Silver City,” into a hub for Tarakasi (silver filigree) art to promote traditional craftsmanship and attract global recognition.
Under the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, the government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the beautification of Cuttack’s riverbanks. CM Majhi also shared that efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the historic Bali Yatra festival, recognising its immense cultural and historical value.
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
He added that developmental works at Barabati Fort and Gadakhai have already begun, with future plans to develop sacred sites like Dhabaleswar Peeth and Nandikishore Peeth along the Mahanadi River, further enhancing Cuttack’s cultural tourism potential.
Boosting port-led economic growth
Reaffirming the government’s vision of leveraging Odisha’s maritime strength, the Chief Minister said that the state’s 575-kilometre coastline would be developed to strengthen a port-based economy. Beyond major ports like Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, the government plans to develop 14 minor ports across the coastline.
He announced that the Baihida Port project, with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore, is underway and will emerge as Odisha’s second-largest port after Paradip. Additionally, a shipbuilding and repair facility worth Rs 24,700 crore is proposed near the Mahanadi estuary at Paradip, paving the way for Odisha to become the “Gateway of Marine Trade” in Eastern India.
A grand cultural and trade extravaganza
This year’s Bali Yatra has drawn massive public participation and international attention. Nearly 2,000 stalls have been set up, featuring a diverse range of products—from traditional handicrafts and handlooms to modern innovations and culinary delights. CM Majhi, who toured the exhibition stalls, noted that the 2025 edition of the festival is “more vibrant and inclusive than ever.”
Last year, the festival recorded business transactions worth around Rs 200 crore, and the Chief Minister expressed confidence that this year’s figure would surpass it significantly.
On this occasion, CM Majhi also unveiled the official Bali Yatra souvenir and presented Indonesia’s Ambassador Ms Ina H. Krisnamurthi with a handcrafted Tarakasi silver boat, symbolising the shared maritime heritage between Odisha and Indonesia.
Global Connection: Indonesia as partner country
Indonesia, serving as the partner country for this year’s Bali Yatra, holds special historical and cultural significance in the context of Odisha’s maritime past. Ambassador Ina H. Krisnamurthi, attending the event as the guest of honour, expressed deep appreciation for Odisha’s warm gesture and historical connection with Indonesia.
“Bali Yatra is not only a celebration of Odisha’s maritime legacy but also a beautiful reflection of the ancient bond between Indonesia and Odisha. Our cultural narratives still carry echoes of these shared traditions,” she remarked.
Cultural pride and heritage recognition
Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, highlighted the festival’s emotional and cultural significance. “Bali Yatra constantly reminds us of the pride and dignity of the Odia community. The influence of Odia culture is still visible across Southeast Asia,” he said, urging collective efforts to make Odisha a leader in self-reliance and cultural preservation.
Cuttack MP Bhatruhari Mahtab, also addressing the gathering, described the festival as “a symbol of continuity, unity, and brotherhood.” He emphasised the need to rediscover Cuttack’s hidden historical facets and leverage human resources for the city’s future growth.
Echoes of the past, vision for the future
With its blend of tradition, trade, and cultural vibrancy, the Bali Yatra 2025 has once again reaffirmed its place as Eastern India’s largest cultural and commercial fair. As thousands flock to the Mahanadi riverfront, the air resonates with the spirit of Odia pride and maritime glory.
“Bali Yatra is more than a festival—it’s a bridge between our past and future,” CM Majhi concluded. “It celebrates the courage of our ancestors and inspires the youth to carry forward the legacy of enterprise, exploration, and excellence.”
The Bali Jatra, one of the largest open-air fairs in Asia, will run for seven days, concluding on November 12, according to an official. The fair spans more than 20 acres across two fairgrounds and features approximately 2,500 makeshift stalls, as mentioned by the official. Both the district administration and the police have made extensive arrangements for the event.
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