London: The historic Bali Jatra festival, which honours Odisha’s ancient maritime heritage, was celebrated for the first time in the UK at Townley Grammar School in Bexley.
Organized by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom (OSUK), the event saw over 500 participants, including dignitaries, cultural figures, and community leaders from both the UK and India.
The Boita Bandana ceremony, led by Dr Bhargava Vasudevan, Deputy Lieutenant of Gravesham, and Manoj Panda from the Indian High Commission, paid homage to Odisha’s age-old trade with Southeast Asia. The ritual of floating miniature boats with lit lamps stood as a tribute to Odisha’s seafaring history.
The celebration commenced with the national anthems of India and Britain, followed by Odisha’s state anthem, Bande Utkala Janani, performed by women from the Odia diaspora and directed by vocalist Sonali Pattnaik. The event was further graced by a captivating Mangala Charana by Odissi expert Aviroop Sengupta and his pupil Adwiti Tripathy Pattnayak. Yoga expert Sitanshu Sahu conducted a session on mental well-being, enthralling those present.
Sweta Mohanty, the spokesperson for OSUK, underscored Odisha’s crucial maritime past and its ongoing significance, citing India’s active efforts to revive its maritime prowess and the stitched ship initiative. Director Partha Sarathi Panda stressed the event’s aim to globally promote Odisha’s rich cultural legacy and enhance international cultural and commercial connections.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, the Organizing Secretary for OSUK, shared his profound pride in the festival, remarking, “Bali Jatra UK stands as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the Odia diaspora. It represents our culture and principles, disseminating the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family. The success of this event is attributed to the commitment of our community, benefactors, and allies, who joined forces to honour Odisha’s heritage and reinforce cultural ties.”
The attendance of Ollywood celebrities Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu lent additional allure to the festivities.
Bali Jatra UK 2024 celebrated Odisha’s cultural heritage and also raised funds for two noble causes: the Maritime Volunteer Service (Lower Thames Unit) and Dibyajivan, aiding Odisha’s fight against cancer. This act underscored the event’s dedication to contributing positively to the community.
