Cuttack: Popular singers Daler Mehndi, Sona Mohapatra, KK and Ruturaj Mohanty will add colour to Bali Jatra here beginning Tuesday (November 12)
This year, the annual fair celebrating the maritime history of Odisha will witness several interesting additions including cycle and rickshaw rides and boating.
For the first time, four stages have been erected for cultural programmes at Killa Maidan of Gadagadia Ghat on Mahanadi river bank. These will be conducted from 4 pm to 10 pm daily.
Odia singer and winner if music reality show ‘India’s Raw Star’ Ruturaj Mohanty will perform on the inaugural day.
Daler Mehndi of Bolo Tara Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun, Saahore Bahubali fame will have Katkis and revelers on their feet with his peppy number on November 16.
Odia girl and Bollywood singer Sona Mohaptra will perform on November 17.
On the valedictory ceremony, noted singer KK will be the star attraction. KK is known for his hit numbers like Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se, Awarapan Banjarapan, O Meri Jaan and Jab Bhi Koi Haseena Dekhu.
Noted singers from Ollywood industry – Ira Mohanty, Asima Panda, Humane Sagar, and Gudli Rath – will also perform on the occasion.
Artists from 112 organisations will also showcase their talent during Bali Jatra
Speaker of the state assembly Dr Surya Narayan Patro will inaugurate the fair on November 12.
For centuries the fair, where different aspects of Odisha is showcased, is being organized on the banks of river Mahanadi. Every year it begins on the day of Kartika Purnima, which is considered auspicious and commemorates Odia mariners’ journeys to Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Sri Lanka for trade and commerce. While it is believed that the local traders and populace would have started the fair, the Cuttack district administration has taken the responsibility of organizing it for last several decades. This year the fair will be held from November 12 to 19.
