Cuttack: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi inaugurated Cuttack Bali Jatra, one of Asia’s largest open-air fairs held annually on the banks of the Mahanadi to commemorate Odisha’s centuries-old trade links with Southeast Asian nations, on Wednesday evening.
During the inauguration ceremony held at Baishnab Pani Mancha at the fairground where he arrived in a ceremonious voyage in beautifully decorated ‘Boita’ (traditional maritime boat) symbolising Odisha’s ancient maritime glory, the Chief Minister announced an increase in the government grant for the historic event from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore, starting this year.
Additionally, he declared that Cuttack, known as the Silver City, will be transformed into a Tarakashi (filigree works) hub.
He also mentioned that Rs 200 crore has been approved for Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming key stretches of the state’s riverbanks into vibrant public spaces and tourism hubs. “In the first phase, work will be undertaken along a 3.5 km stretch of the Bali Jatra ground at a cost of Rs 38 crore. Efforts are also underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the historic Bali Jatra. Since the Centre has already listed it as a national cultural heritage, it would help secure the UNESCO recognition,” he added.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Bali Jatra is not just a trade fair but is deeply intertwined with Odisha’s art, culture, and religious sentiments. “Following the slogan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (development as well as heritage), the state government is giving a new direction to cultural heritage and development,” he said.
Majhi also spoke on the government’s commitment to make the state with 575 km coastline prosperous through a port-based economy. “Apart from Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, plans are afoot to develop 14 smaller ports in the state. Port development projects are underway at Subarnarekha, Astaranga, and Jatadhara Muhan. The state government has allocated Rs 21,500 crore for the development of Bahuda Port, which will become Odisha’s second-largest port after Paradip. Additionally, a Rs 24,700 crore plan is in place to establish a shipbuilding and repair centre near the Mahanadi estuary in Paradip. In the coming days, Odisha aims to become the gateway to eastern India in maritime trade,” he stated.
Addressing the people of the city, Majhi described Cuttack a city of brotherhood and urged residents to maintain peace, referring to the recent violence during Durga Puja immersion ceremony.
This year, Bali Jatra has grown bigger than ever, spreading across 60 acres, a significant expansion from the previous edition’s 38 acres. The fair ground is hosting 2,500 stalls, offering handicrafts, household items, textiles, food courts and speciality pavilions. An anamorphic 3D screen, an experience zone, electric dhol performances, a vintage car exhibition, a filigree art gallery, 5D theatre, and water sports on the Mahanadi are some of the other attractions.
