Rekindling The Spirit Of Odishan Culture Through ‘Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’

Bhubaneswar: Bali Yatra celebrates the glorious maritime history of Odisha, and its ancient trading links with Southeast Asia.

Boita Bandana, an annual riverside ritual that is performed by women folk all over Odisha on the eve of ‘Bali Yatra’, is a symbolic commemoration of a traditional farewell that used to be accorded to the brave sea-farers of yore on the eve of their annual voyage to Bali – the genesis of Indian cultural influence in distant shores across Southeast Asia.

To throw light on the impact of Odishan tradition and culture, that is visible on the face of the land in Indonesia and in the minds and hearts of people in the faraway island of Bali, ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ is being organised in Odisha capital from October 29 to November 3.

It is being organised by Roots and Revelations, in collaboration with The Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia, Indonesia Tourism, and Mayfair Hotels and Resorts.

The project was flagged off during ‘Bali-yatra’ at Cuttack in November 2013; and this curtain raiser was presented in association with Odisha State Maritime Museum, INTACH (Indian National Trust For Cultural Heritage) and Indonesia Tourism.

There also have been presentations in New Delhi, Kolkata and Bali – in association with ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), Asiatic Society, INTACH, Embassy Of The
Republic Of Indonesia, New Delhi, and Indonesia Tourism, Jakarta.

The special press preview, at Orchid Banquet Hall of Mayfair Lagoon earlier on Monday, included unveiling of ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ pictorial exhibition, release of a coffee table book, screening of a documentary film and launch of ‘The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ Heritage Tours to Indonesia – with live performances by traditional Balinese dancers and Balinese buffet lunch, for which performing artistes and master chefs were specially flown in from Indonesia.

“I am an Indonesian by birth and nationality and feel privileged to represent my country here in Bhubaneswar, Odisha – a state from where, we believe, much of our heritage and culture came from,” said Mr Komang Mahavira, Deputy Director, Ministry Of Tourism, Indonesia.

“The Pride And Glory Of Bali-yatra’ is dedicated to rekindling the spirit of adventure and enterprise”, said Director, Resource Indica Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based communication consultant, Sudip Sen who was born in Cuttack and brought up in Odisha.

The objective is to highlight the significance of Bali-yatra and make Indians look at Indonesia with a new perspective, he added.