Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the extension of the historic Bali Jatra by an additional day. Originally scheduled to conclude on November 22, the eight-day festival, which began on Kartik Purnima (November 15), will now run until the ninth day. The announcement was made through the Chief Minister’s official social media account on the ‘X’ platform.
One of Asia’s largest open trade fairs, the Bali Jatra kicked off on November 15 and has since become a major highlight of Odisha’s cultural and trade calendar. In a historic first, the festival this year witnessed participation from ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from 14 ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and Pacific countries, emphasizing the fair’s growing international appeal.
In his address at the opening of the fair, Chief Minister Majhi celebrated Odisha’s rich maritime history. The Bali Jatra, he explained, has its roots in the ancient trading voyages of the ‘Sadhabas’, Odia traders who sailed to distant lands like Bali, Java, and Sumatra in vessels known as Boitas. These traders would set out on their journeys during Kartik Purnima, a full moon day, making the fair a significant cultural commemoration.
This year’s Bali Jatra has expanded in both scale and significance. The fair, spread over more than 20 acres, features two sprawling fairgrounds housing over 2,500 makeshift stalls showcasing local and international goods. The event not only serves as a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s maritime heritage but also acts as a major trade hub for artisans, vendors, and traders.