With just a few days left before the commencement of the historic Bali Yatra in Cuttack, the city is buzzing with preparations for what is billed as Asia’s largest open-air fair. Crowds from across Odisha and beyond are expected to flock to the event, drawing lakhs of visitors eager to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
This year, the fair is being organized with special flair, turning both the upper and lower grounds into a hive of activity. Swing operators have begun setting up their rides, stage constructions are progressing rapidly, and stall owners are erecting their shops. In a first, the invitation card for Bali Yatra was offered at the feet of the presiding deity, Maa Cuttack Chandi, with the administration extending a formal invite to the goddess.
To welcome visitors from within and outside the state, grand welcome arches are being installed along key roads such as Chandini Chowk, Judicial Gada, Machua Bazaar, and Buxi Bazaar.
Cuttack-in-Cuttack: The Star Attraction in a Fresh Avatar
This year’s highlight is the revamped “Cuttack-in-Cuttack” pavilion, adorned in a new look by a team of art students. Around eight students from Bhubaneswar’s Bibhuti Kanungo College of Art and Craft are spearheading the design, themed around Odia language, literature, and culture. They’ve created intricate artworks using foam, including statues, Konark temple wheels, and various boat models that showcase fine craftsmanship. The pavilion will feature statues of six eminent Odia literary figures and sons of the soil: Adi Kabi Sarala Das, Byasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, and others. Additionally, a statue of the honourable President Droupadi Murmu will also grace the space.
Boats to Sail the Mahanadi
Adding to the nautical charm, the Mahanadi River will host a fleet of boats this year. Along with the main boat, over seven others will cruise the waters, with preparations nearly complete for the guest-carrying vessels. Six additional boats are being crafted from foam, set to float during the nine-day extravaganza. Two floating platforms will be shaped like boats and paraded around the fairgrounds.
Visitors will get glimpses of art, culture, and literature throughout the fair. Exhibits on Odia language, timeless books, household traditions, and folk culture will educate and entertain attendees.
29 Swings to Amp Up the Excitement
The fair’s thrill quotient comes from 29 swings, including newcomers like the Tsunami and Single Tower rides, imported from Jharkhand and Ghaziabad. Three Tsunami swings will be placed at Kartikeswar Gada, near the DCP office, and beside Cuttack-in-Cuttack. The Single Tower and Frisbee swings will each have one unit near Kartikeswar Gada. A large 28-chair Ferris wheel is priced at Rs 100 per ticket, while others cost Rs 80. The lineup includes eight Ramdoli, eight Break Dance, eight Dragon swings, four Tora Tora and Nauka each, two Chand Tara, and one Octopus swing.
3D Screens and Eco-Friendly Measures
For an immersive experience, two 3D screens will narrate the tales of ancient Sadhav merchants—how they sailed across seas for trade. To make Bali Yatra plastic-free, an MoU will be signed with vendors, mandating the use of dustbins, eco-friendly bags, cups, and plates. Non-compliance will attract fines, as per the district administration’s notification.
Like last year, a laser light show will illuminate the skies, but condensed to three days instead of eight. At Gadgadia Ghat on the Mahanadi, attendees can witness reflections of Odisha’s heritage, traditions, and culture in the water.
The Bali Yatra promises to be a grand celebration of Odisha’s maritime history, blending fun, education, and sustainability for all.
