President of India Droupadi Murmu will formally inaugurate the historic maritime trade fair, Bali Jatra 2026, on Tuesday, November 24, on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Kataka. The Kataka district administration confirmed that the President’s Office has conveyed formal consent following an official invitation.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Braj Mohan Ram are also scheduled to grace the inaugural ceremony alongside senior state officials and dignitaries.
Eight-Day Maritime Festival & Ground Preparations
Spanning eight days from November 24 to December 1, 2026, this year’s Bali Jatra will be hosted across both the upper and lower Bali Jatra grounds along the Mahanadi riverbed:
- Plot Allocations & Stalls: The district administration has already completed land allocation for more than 500 commercial and exhibition plots, with final procedural formalities underway. In addition, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is setting up 500 dedicated stalls to showcase traditional handlooms and handicrafts.
- Eco-Friendly & Heritage Focus: Authorities have planned a plastic-free fair this year, supported by a proposed ₹10 crore state government grant and a dedicated digital information wall highlighting the ancient maritime ties between Kalinga and Bali.
- ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’ Pavilion: Officials confirmed that the official theme for the popular ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’ cultural pavilion will be finalized based on suggestions submitted by the public.
Security, Traffic Plan & City Beautification
Ahead of the VVIP visit, the Cuttack district administration and Commissionerate Police have rolled out comprehensive logistical and civic plans:
- Special Security & Traffic Plan: Multi-layered security protocols, dedicated VVIP transit corridors, and revised traffic management plans have been drafted to manage both presidential security and large visitor footfall.
- City-Wide Beautification Drive: Civic agencies have initiated a city-wide beautification, sanitation, and illumination campaign across Cuttack’s arterial roads and riverfront ahead of November 24.
- Cultural & Economic Milestone: Celebrating ancient Kalinga’s seafaring heritage with Southeast Asia, Bali Jatra attracts lakhs of visitors annually with traditional handicrafts, cultural performances, amusement zones, and culinary stalls.
