Cuttack: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi walking away miffed over inadequate arrangements for dignitaries at Bali Jatra in Odisha’s Cuttack city caught everyone’s attention ahead of the inauguration of the annual festival on Friday evening.
Accompanied by Deputy CM Pravati Parida, Parliamentarians, MLAs and diplomats from 14 countries, Majhi arrived at the fair ground after a traditional boat ride from Silver City boat club’s Naval jetty to Baishnab Pani Mancha, symbolising Odisha’s historic trade links with Southeast Asia.
After a grand welcome in the traditional way at the Gadgadia ghat, they also set boats afloat in the river. They were then to board battery-operated carts to the South East Asia pavilion for the inaugural event. However, only one cart was available and soon Cuttack-Barabati MLA Sofia Firdous alighted from the vehicle to make space for the CM and other guests. This ticked off Majhi, who was seen questioning the lack of adequate arrangement with international delegates in attendance amid efforts to project Bali Jatra on a global level. He then decided to walk to the pavilion. And others also followed suit.
After inaugurating the festival, the CM announced an additional allocation of Rs 150 crore for the ambitious Mahanadi Riverfront Development project, taking the total investment to Rs 200 crore. “The twin projects will be implemented in line with the Sabarmati riverfront project in Gujarat,” he said.
The inaugural event also saw a spectacular drone show during which 400 drones illuminated the Mahanadi riverfront, depicting Odisha’s cultural heritage through formations of ancient ships, temples and the Jagannath Temple chariots. There was a synchronised musical fireworks display, performances by artists from Bali and Indonesia and a special concert by Padma awardee Anup Jalota.
The fair, which will continue till November 22, drew over six lakh visitors on its opening day.
Attractions at this year’s Bali Jatra
>> Around 2,500 stalls, including 500 by ORMAS, showcasing various handicrafts and household goods, have been set up on 8.5 acre of n Killa Maidan (Upara Padia) adjacent to Barabati Fort and 34 acre of Tala Padia (lower ground) on the Mahanadi river bed.
>> A Pitha Mahotsav is also being organised this year.
>> Cuttack-in-Cuttack pavilion is based on the theme of Odia Asmita (pride) and would showcase Odia films.
>> Mandatory Odia language signage for all vendors.
>> Sand art exhibitions, joy rides and swings are also installed on the Bali Jatra ground for the visitors.