Kataka: The historic Bali Jatra in Odisha’s Kataka will be organised from November 24 to December 1 this year and the authorities have initiated preparations for the annual festival.
Announcing this after the first preparatory meeting for the maritime heritage festival held on Wednesday, Kataka Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said this year’s fair is likely to have some new features.
Stating that the district administration has proposed to the government to organise the annual fair on both the upper and lower grounds of the Bali Jatra ground, he said the proposal is now awaiting approval from the state government.
As part of efforts to handle the large footfall expected during the festival, the administration is planning to enhance parking arrangements this year.
Performers from outside the state, including Bollywood artists, will also be invited to entertain visitors during the fair, the Collector said.
This apart, water sports activities will be arranged in the Mahanadi river as part of the Bali Jatra festivities this year.