Cuttack: Ambassadors of at least 12 countries are likely to attend Bali Jatra, which commemorates the past association of the people of Odisha with Bali and other South-East Asian countries.
The trade fair in Cuttack city is set to begin on November 15 and continue for eight days until November 22.
“Ambassadors of 12 countries have expressed their willingness to take part in the event and efforts are on ensure the attendance of more ambassadors at the festival,” Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg said after reviewing the preparations on Tuesday.
The event will see participation of cultural troupes from six countries like Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Indonesia and Bhutan. “All these are being done to promote the annual maritime festival globally,” she added.
According to the schedule, artists from Thailand will perform on November 16, Nepal team on November 17, Bhutan team on November 18, Sri Lanka team on November 19, Slovakia team on November 21 and the Bali Indonesia team on November 22.
Meanwhile, the Cuttack administration has prohibited vending on footpaths from Ring Road in Jobra to Chahata Square, including upper and lower Bali Jatra grounds, and surrounding areas till November 24. These nearly 2,000 makeshift vendors will instead be accommodated on an 80,000 sq ft area on the lower ground of Bali Jatra. “We have designated a specific area near the Cuttack pavilion where they can continue their business by paying a nominal fee of Rs 100 a day,” said sub-collector Jyoti Shankar Ray.
