The historic Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack is set to take place from November 5 to November 12, 2025, celebrating Odisha’s ancient maritime heritage.
In a high-level review meeting held today at Lok Seva Bhawan, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired discussions on the preparations for this grand trade fair, stressing the need for comprehensive visitor facilities and top-priority security measures.
The meeting focused on ensuring a smooth and safe experience for the anticipated lakhs of attendees. Garg directed officials to prioritise visitor convenience while placing utmost importance on safety protocols. With an estimated 70 Lakh visitors expected this year—potentially 7-8 lakh daily during evenings—she emphasised the creation of essential amenities to handle the massive crowds drawn by the festival’s unique appeal.
Key directives included enhancing emergency evacuation systems by widening entry roads and adding multiple exit points, installing prominent glow signboards and clear signage for better navigation. Garg also advised the Cuttack District Collector to develop a dedicated mobile app providing real-time information on facilities, stall locations, and emergency assistance. Additionally, she recommended establishing an integrated control room involving police and key departments for coordinated operations.
The meeting was attended by Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, Secretary of the State Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner and CDA Vice-Chairperson Kirandeep Kaur Sahota, along with senior officials from the State Planning and Coordination Department and Cuttack district administration.
This follows an initial preparatory meeting on September 17, chaired by the Chief Secretary, which outlined guidelines for a secure and orderly festival. During today’s session, the District Collector highlighted the availability of a dedicated Bali Yatra website for all relevant information. Garg reviewed the festival layout map and provided necessary suggestions.
Traffic management and crowd control will be handled by the Commissionerate Police, with CRUT offering free shuttle services from Trisulia to Jobra for easy access to the fairground. Various sub-committees are conducting regular reviews to ensure seamless execution.
This year’s highlights include a captivating mechanised boat display on the Mahanadi riverbank, evoking memories of ancient seafaring trade. Temporary jetties will be set up along the river, and the Cuttack Silver City Boat Club will undergo beautification. Around 1,670 stalls will be allocated to local businesses and organisations, while the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, through ORMAS, will organise a national-level Pallishree Mela with 500 stalls.
Last year’s Bali Yatra generated approximately Rs 200 crore in business, including Rs 50 crore from ORMAS stalls alone, and officials anticipate even higher figures this time. Cultural programs will feature performances from Bollywood, Ollywood, and national/international troupes, with 80 local and national cultural institutions already applying to participate; selections are underway.
Other preparations discussed include fairground beautification, installation of numerous bio-toilets with maintenance for cleanliness, ample parking spaces, uninterrupted power supply for the Pallishree Mela, accommodations for guests and performers, fire services, and deployment of NDRF and ODRAF teams for safety. The “Cuttack in Cuttack” pavilion will showcase programs on “Odia Pride: Our Language and Literature.” Financial arrangements for all activities were also reviewed.
Post-meeting discussions extended to the development of the Mahanadi River Front in Cuttack, signalling long-term urban enhancement plans.
The Bali Yatra, commemorating Odisha’s maritime voyages to Bali and beyond, continues to blend tradition, commerce, and culture, drawing visitors from across the country.
