In a landmark moment for Odisha’s cultural calendar, President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the iconic Bali Yatra in Kataka on November 24, marking the first time a President of India has opened the historic maritime festival.
The President is scheduled to arrive at the Silver City Boat Club around 5 pm on November 24. She will travel by a specially prepared boat to Gadagadia Ghat on the Mahanadi, where she will perform the traditional Boita Bandana ritual. From there, she will proceed via the Kataka-in-Kataka zone to inaugurate the ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society) pavilion before joining the main inaugural ceremony at the Gana Kabi Baishnab Pani Manch. District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde confirmed the programme during a press conference, noting that several foreign guests have also been invited.
This year’s eight-day Bali Yatra (November 24–December 1) will be held across both the upper and lower padia grounds for the first time in recent years, expanding space for visitors, traders and attractions. Organisers plan to open more than 1,800 stalls, with around 1,400 plots already allotted. Special pavilions will highlight Mission Shakti products and handicrafts from various states, alongside the popular Kataka-in-Kataka zone that will showcase the city’s maritime heritage and the Kataka Municipal Corporation’s 150-year journey.
The administration has allocated a budget of ₹17 crore for the event, of which the state government is contributing ₹10 crore. In a conscious decision to express solidarity with flood-affected communities in South Odisha, cultural programmes will be scaled down in grandeur this year. The festival will also be strictly plastic-free, with vendors encouraged to use sustainable alternatives.
Other preparations include an international boat race on the Mahanadi as a major attraction, a dedicated disaster management cell involving police and fire services, enhanced mobile network coverage through additional towers and temporary transmitters, improved parking and traffic management, and special arrangements for vendors. Security has been tightened in view of the President’s visit.
Bali Yatra, one of Asia’s largest open-air trade fairs, commemorates the ancient seafaring voyages of Odia merchants (Sadhabas) to Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia. The festival traditionally coincides with Kartika Purnima and the Boita Bandana ritual, when miniature boats are floated to honour the state’s maritime past.
With the President’s participation, expanded grounds, eco-friendly measures and new attractions, this year’s edition is expected to draw even larger crowds and national attention to Kataka’s living heritage.
