Introduction: A Festival Rooted in the Waters

As the full moon of Kartik rises and casts its silver glow over the Mahanadi’s wide expanse, dreams and memories awaken along the banks of Cuttack. 

The city has guarded a tradition, over a thousand years old, unlike any other in India—a festival called “Bali Yatra”. 

In these moments, Odisha remembers not only a celebration but also reenacts its long maritime history, cultural pride, and community spirit. Bali Yatra is more than a fair; it is more than a festival.

 It is Odisha’s living story, told anew with every lamp floating on water and every heart looking eastward to the sea.

The Origins: Kalinga’s Voyage to Bali

Long ago, before railways and highways, when the land of Kalinga (now Odisha) was renowned for its seafaring prowess, Odia traders known as Sadhabas built boats called Boita—graceful vessels with billowing sails. 

On the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, these mariners set sail for far-off islands—Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Sri Lanka—trading spices, silk, and precious stones. 

The routes they charted fostered not just trade but the intermixing of cultures, art, religion, and technology. 

Bali Yatra, literally “Voyage to Bali,” is Odisha’s tribute to this commercial and cultural exchange: a celebration of courage, curiosity, and connection.

Boita Bandana: The Ritual of Remembrance

The heart of Bali Yatra is the ancient custom called Boita Bandana. At dawn, families gather on riverbanks, creating miniature boats from banana bark, paper, or sholapith. 

These are adorned with lamps, flowers, and prayers, and gently float on the waters. The sight—thousands of tiny glowing vessels drifting into the mist—is magical and evocative. Mothers and children sing:

"Aa ka ma boi, pana gua thoi..."

This nostalgic chant recalls the glory and adventure of those Odia mariners, blessing new generations with the same spirit of exploration and hope.

Cuttack’s Bali Yatra: Asia’s Largest Open-Air Fair

Beginning on Kartik Purnima and continuing through Prathamastami, Bali Yatra in Cuttack is known as one of Asia’s largest open-air trade fairs. 

Spanning over 100 acres of grounds near the iconic Barabati Fort and Gadagadia Ghata on the Mahanadi, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant bazaar. 

Children delight in giant wheels and games, while food stalls lure crowds with Dalma, Dahibara Aludum, Thunka puri, and endless local delicacies. 

Traders and artisans from across India set up more than 1,500 stalls, their goods ranging from textiles and jewellery to electronics and toys—each stall a reflection of commerce, artistry, and entrepreneurship that recalls ancient Kalinga’s maritime trade.

In 2025, both Upper and Lower Grounds of Cuttack will host the event after High Court approval, symbolising the city’s embrace of tradition and modernity.

Bali Yatra 2025: Fresh Identity, New Highlights

This year’s festival is bigger and more inclusive than ever. Marked as “Historic Bali Jatra Cuttack 2025,” it runs from November 5 to 12 and features grand innovations:

Water Sports on the Mahanadi: Reflecting the original spirit of seafaring adventure, organised events encourage youth to reconnect with Odisha’s maritime roots.

Laser Shows & Sand Art: Renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sand and diya installations on Boita stun visitors, celebrating global recognition for Odia art.

The Department of Culture and Tourism, along with the EZCC, brings diverse performing arts from every corner of the state—Pala, Daskathia, Gotipua, and modern dance—showcasing Odisha’s vibrant living heritage.

Paradeep and Coastal Odisha: Maritime Legacy Lives On

While Cuttack is the heart of Bali Yatra, Paradeep and other coastal towns join the festival with their distinct flavours. 

The port city of Paradeep celebrates with exhibitions, fairs, and floating Boita ceremonies, reminding today’s residents of the ancient gateways that connected Odisha to Suvarnadvipa (Bali) and other Southeast Asian lands. 

Historic ports like Tamralipta, Manikapatna, and Palur once welcomed ships laden with pepper, cinnamon, silk, camphor, and gold, fostering an exchange of not only goods but also ideas and beliefs.

Cultural Programs: A Feast for the Senses

Each evening during Bali Yatra, stages around the grounds present riveting cultural programs. 

Folk artists, classical musicians, poets, and dancers recall sagas of maritime bravery and ancient civilisations.

In recent years, new platforms have allowed Odia language and literature to shine, with storytelling, literary discussions, and poetry competitions.

The fair is not just about commerce; it is a festival of the arts, where the ancient art of patta painting, filigree, and textile weaving is displayed and celebrated. 

Visitors witness living traditions and experience both the past and present in a single frame.

Commercial Boom: Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Visitors

Bali Yatra has a major commercial dimension. More than 1,500 stalls are auctioned to traders, making Bali Yatra a hub for local artisans, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses. 

As per recent estimates, the trade conducted during the fair exceeds ₹100 Crore each year. Special pavilions highlight the best of Odisha—silver filigree, Sambalpuri sarees, terracotta toys, and tribal art. 

By integrating startups, women’s collectives, and regional brands, Bali Yatra has evolved into a powerful engine for MSMEs and business growth—a mission supported by the Odisha government.

For tourists and visitors, Bali Yatra offers a taste of Odisha’s culinary diversity—from the famous Cuttack Dahibara Aludum to Pitha, Thunka puri, and Banarasi paan—plus modern snacks and international treats, turning the fair into a true feast.

Bali Yatra Today: Global Recognition, Innovation, and Spirit

In recent years, Bali Yatra has won global attention. In 2022, it entered the Guinness World Records for the largest origami boat event, reinforcing Odisha’s place in world history. 

In 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the grandeur of Bali Yatra during his G20 address in Bali, marking it as an international cultural milestone.

Technology and innovation are now part of the festival. Digital exhibitions, virtual tours, and social media campaigns invite Odias from all over the world to participate, even remotely. 

The focus on sustainability—waste management, eco-friendly materials, and river conservation—signals the festival’s alignment with contemporary global values.

The Spiritual and Social Meaning

Bali Yatra is deeply spiritual, echoing prayers for safe journeys and livelihoods, the blessing of rivers and seas, and the remembrance of ancestors who built Odisha’s prosperity as a maritime nation. 

The festival embodies community—people from all walks of life come together to celebrate, to trade, to enjoy culture, and to preserve the values of courage, cooperation, and forward-looking vision.

The floating lamps, the soft chants, and the bustle of the fair inspire unity and peace, reminding Odias that their destiny is linked to the waters—a legacy of exploration, connection, and resilience.

Bali Yatra’s Role in Tourism and Brand Odisha

For Odisha, Bali Yatra is more than nostalgia—it’s the face of progressive tourism and branding. 

Each year, the festival attracts millions, bringing fresh attention to the state’s historical monuments, cuisine, crafts, and natural beauty. 

With increased involvement from entrepreneurs, startups, and local communities, Bali Yatra has become central to Odisha’s economic and social development strategies.

Community Empowerment and Youth Engagement

Bali Yatra rejuvenates Odisha's youth, empowering them with stories of enterprise and global citizenship. 

Schools and colleges organise essay competitions, debates, and workshops about the maritime heritage, encouraging students to dive into history, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. 

The inclusion of digital platforms allows more young people to engage, contribute, and preserve the tradition in innovative ways.

Challenges and Triumphs: Preserving Heritage in Modern Times

Despite its success, Bali Yatra faces challenges: urban congestion, ecological impacts, changing lifestyles, and the need to keep traditions relevant for new generations. 

The festival’s organisers, led by the Odisha government and cultural bodies, constantly evolve the celebration—bringing sustainability, inclusiveness, and digital access while holding on to core values.

Conclusion: Bali Yatra—Odisha’s Gift to the World

Bali Yatra, at its heart, is a story of journeys—of boats crossing oceans and people building bridges between distant lands. 

Its legacy is found not only in trade records and ancient art, but in the living spirit of Odisha’s people—generous, courageous, and always ready to embrace new horizons. 

Each lamp upon the water carries a wish and a memory, ensuring that the epic voyages of Kalinga’s sailors live on.

As Odisha sails into the future, Bali Yatra stands proud—a festival both ancient and new, inviting the world to celebrate tradition, progress, and the boundless wonder of human connection.

Let us cherish Bali Yatra not only as a fair, but as a symbol of our heritage, our dreams, and our enduring hope. Come to Cuttack, come to Paradeep, come to the banks of the Mahanadi—join the voyage, and be a part of Odisha’s magnificent journey.