COVID-19 Impact: Uncertainty Clouds Historic Bali Jatra Festival In Cuttack

Cuttack: The historic Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack may not be held this year. The festival falls on November 30. DCP Pratik Singh stated during a meeting with the Shanti Committee on Saturday that no public meeting would be allowed this year due to the outbreak of coronavirus situations.

Bali Jatra has been one of the major festivals for the residents of Cuttack city. Every year the festival is celebrated with pomp, but this year it will be a low-key celebration in Cuttack thanks to the pandemic.

Earlier, the Commissionerate Police had also denied permission to the public celebration of Ganesh Puja here. However, celebrating Ganesh puja within one’s household is permitted.

“It totally depends upon COVID-19 circumstances. We will plan according to the situation whether Bali Jatra will be organised or not, “DCP Pratik Singh said.

Bali Jatra is organised to commemorate the trade ties of the Kalinga Empire with Bali and other South Asian countries and celebrates the state’s maritime legacy. It is one of Odisha’s oldest cultural and business trade fairs.