Bali Jatra kicks off in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Finally, the much-awaited historic Bali Jatra kicked off here on the auspicious occasion of Kartika Purnima.

The eight-day festival was inaugurated by the Odia Language Literature & Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda at Patiabandh on banks of Kuakhai River on outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Friday.

He contributed Rs 5 lakh to the annual cultural event.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhubaneswar Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said that the local administration will consider for electrification project in future at Bali Jatra ground.

As many as 550 stalls have been built on river banks in Bali Jatra. The event features food courts, varieties of swings for children and other items for visitors.

The cultural programme at the ground showcasing Odisha’s rich maritime history will also be held on the open stage every evening.

As the event is being held on the river bank, more than two platoons of police have been deployed for safety and security of visitors thronging the ground

Similarly, 150 volunteers have been on duty to control the crowd.

Notably, the Bali Jatra is being held for the second year on the city’s outskirts. Last year, the event was organised only for a day as the Commissionerate police had denied giving permission for Bali Jatra in Bhubaneswar due to various reasons.