Bali Jatra

Bali Yatra, a festival that commemorates the rich maritime history of Odisha is celebrated throughout the state. In the historic city of Cuttack, a week-long event is organised starting from the day of Kartika Purnima.Bali Jatra is a vibrant and culturally significant festival celebrated primarily in the state of Odisha, India. The festival marks the historic maritime trade of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city of Cuttack, particularly at the Mahanadi riverbank. The name "Bali Jatra" translates to "the journey to Bali" in English, referring to the mythological maritime trade routes between Kalinga (Odisha) and the islands of Southeast Asia, including Bali (Indonesia), Java, and Sumatra.1. Historical Significance- Bali Jatra commemorates the ancient maritime trading tradition of the Kalinga region. Traders and merchants from Kalinga would sail across the seas to Southeast Asia, trading goods like silk, spices, and other local products. The festival symbolically honors this legacy of adventure, commerce, and cultural exchange.2.. Rituals and Celebrations- One of the most iconic rituals of Bali Jatra is the "Boita Bandana," where people float miniature boats made from banana bark, paper, and other materials on rivers, ponds, or water bodies. This symbolizes the ancient tradition of setting sail across the seas. A grand mela (fair) is set up in Cuttack, where people from different regions gather to sell handicrafts, traditional jewelry, food items, and textiles. The festival also features rides, games, and cultural performances like dance, music, and drama.