Bhubaneswar Balijatra to kick off on Nov 12  

Bhubaneswar: After the success of Balijatra in the state capital last year, the eight-day historic event is all set to begin in a bigger way on the banks of Kuakhai river on the city outskirts from November 12.

The event which began with only 30 stalls in 2017 will have 500 stalls this year featuring household and food items. Besides, the fair will have varieties of swings and amusement rides. So far, 250 traders have booked to put up their stalls on the river banks. This apart, cultural programmes showcasing Odisha’s rich maritime history will also be held on the ground every evening.

Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements are being made for the festival that will conclude on November 19. Security will also be beefed up in view of influx of around 10 thousand visitors everyday.

“Besides deployment of police personnel, the Bhubaneswar Balijatra Committee is also ready with 200 volunteers to control crowd and ensure smooth conduct of the festival.  30 CCTV cameras will be installed at various locations to keep an eye on anti-socials. Fire officials and Red Cross members will also be pressed into service to meet any kind of emergency,” said committee working president Jiban Badu.

The traders have also been instructed to ensure a polythene-free environment during the extravaganza.

Notably, the Balijatra will be hosted for third time this year. In the inaugural edition, the event was organised only for a day as the Commissionerate Police had denied giving permission for the same on various grounds.

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