Cuttack: The annual Bali Jatra on the banks of river Mahanadi in Odisha’s Cuttack is all set for opening to the visitors on the occasion of Kartik Purnima on Tuesday.
The Bali Jatra this year holds significance as it is likely to set two world records. While the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) plans to make 10,000 paper boats in 15 minutes to enter the Guinness World Records, renowned sand artiste Sudarsan Patnaik wants to set enter Limca Book of Records by creating the largest sand boat decorated with over 25,000 earthern diyas (lamps).
Sudarsan and his students have been engaged in making the massive sand art for three days at the Gadagadia ghat on the Mahanadi bank in the vicinity of Barabati Fort. The boat, which has been made in the shape of traditional boat used by the merchants of Odisha to go on sea voyage to other countries for trade, measures 68 ft in length and 42 ft in width.
Also Read: Odisha’s Largest Open-Air Fair ‘Bali Jatra’ To Enter Guinness World Records!
For the convenience of the visitors to the largest open-air fair celebrating the rich maritime history of Odisha, the local administration including the CMC, Commissionerate Police, Fire Brigade and others have made elaborate arrangements. Since the administration is expecting a rise in footfall, necessary security measures have also been put in place.
This time, more than 600 food stalls, 325 government stalls and 200 corporate stalls would open in the Bali Jatra ground. Besides, there would be around 400 stalls in the area of Pallishree mela spreading over 5 acre in the Jatra. The administration has also made arrangements for laser show as an added attraction this year.
With visitors coming from across the state, the Bali Jatra offers a good opportunity to artisans and traders for doing business while the government agencies use it as a suitable platform to promote awareness.
For security of the visitors, the Commissionerate of Police will deploy 50 platoons of force and set up 20 aid posts and 4 support centres. A special women’s team will also be deployed for the protection of women visitors. Besides, watch towers and CCTV cameras will keep an eye on anti-socials and mischief mongers.
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