Historic Balijatra Utsav begins on Mahanadi riverbank in Odisha’s Cuttack

Cuttack: Balijatra, commemorating the glorious ancient maritime legacy of Kalinga (present-day Odisha), was inaugurated today by Finance Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha in a ceremonial event held on the bank of river Mahanadi in Cuttack, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.

Stalls of ORMAS and Mission Shakti were the centre of attraction for visitors, on the first day. Elaborate security arrangements have been made by police keeping in mind an expected huge gathering.

Taking to ‘X’ handle, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) wrote, “Excitement is in the air as the historic Cuttack Balijatra begins today. Join us in celebrating this vibrant event held from Nov 27 to Dec 4, 2023. Let’s create memories with friends and families and make this Balijatra unforgettable!”

In another tweet, Mayor Subash Chandra Singh welcomed everyone to the Balijatra 2023.

With this year’s Balijatra Utsav kicking off November 27, the mega fair will witness several stars like Anu Malik and Sachin-Jigar, a Zilla Sanskruti Parishad source said today.

During the Balijatra Utsav days, various cultural programmes will be organised on Ganakabi Baishnab Pani Mancha, Akshaya Mohanty Mancha, and Patha-Utsav. Accordingly, Bollywood Nights will be held with Sachin-Jigar, and the Dragon Dance Group on December 2 and with noted music director Anu Malik on December 3, respectively.

Odisha’s singers Abhijeet Majumdar and T Souri, comedian Papu Pom Pom, actresses Shibani Sangeeta and Supriya Nayak, including Sital Patra, Poonam Mishra, Swayam Padhi and several others will also perform on stage, the Parishad source added.

Notably, the largest open-air trade fair in Asia is to conclude on December 4 (Monday).