Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has renamed the Asia’s biggest open-air trade fair, Bali Jatra, which will be held in Cuttack this year from November 5-12.
The event will now be called “Historic Bali Jatra Cuttack 2025” instead of “Historic Bali Jatra”.
This year, the fair, which commemorates the rich maritime history of Odisha, will be held over 60 acres instead of 36 acres but remain confined to the lower Bali Jatra Ground on the banks of the Mahanadi near Gadgadia Ghat, with parking arrangements on the upper ground area near Barabati Stadium.
This decision was taken at a preparatory meeting chaired by Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde to ensure better crowd management and safety. “Bali Yatra will be organised on the lower ground and extended over 60 acres. Coordination was an issue while using both the grounds. The Cuttack In Cuttack will highlight Odia Language and Literature,” the Collector informed.
All traffic and parking-related information will be made available on the Bali Jatra portal.
These apart, cultural programmes will continue till 11 pm this year. “The cultural event will end at 11 pm instead of 10 pm. Two stages will be used for the performances. More than 50 buses will ply for the convenience of the visitors,” he added.
Cultural troupes registered under the Society Registration App can apply through the district culture office. Each troupe will get 20 minutes for their performance.
The meeting further decided that the RFP Management will handle the tender process for event management, valid until October 30, 2025.