The first preparatory meeting for Bhubaneswar Baliyatra Mahotsav 2026 was held on Sunday at Dolphin Mandap in Patia under the chairmanship of committee general secretary Subas Chandra Patra.
Bhubaneswar North MLA and Baliyatra Committee president Sushant Kumar Rout appealed to everyone present to work together, irrespective of political affiliation, so that this year’s festival becomes even more colourful, beautiful and attractive.
The meeting saw participation from leaders across parties and civic life. Among those present were BJP senior leader Golak Mohapatra, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, BJD general secretary Pratap Chandra Rout, Mihir Kumar Rout, Anup Khuntia, Santosh Kumar Nath, Ashok Kumar Patra, Abhaya Badajena and Pritinanda Rautray. Several intellectuals and young students from the locality also attended.
Bhubaneswar Baliyatra, held on the banks of the Kuakhai river, commemorates Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links with Southeast Asia, especially Bali. Over the years it has grown into a popular trade-and-culture fair for the capital, featuring stalls, food, rides and evening cultural programmes. Organisers now want the 2026 edition to stand out as a more polished and widely appealing event.
Rout’s call for all-party cooperation set the tone of the meeting. Participants discussed ways to improve arrangements, visitor experience and the overall festive atmosphere. Further planning meetings are expected in the coming weeks as the festival season approaches.
