Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the Ministry of Culture has granted ‘national status’ to Cuttack’s historic Bali Jatra.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat made the announcement in the Rajya Sabha today. The Ministry also issued a notification in this regard.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to accord national status to the State’s biggest trade fair.
The move aims to promote Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and make the state’s major commercial fair more popular.
PM Modi has consistently highlighted the significance of Bali Jatra, mentioning it in various events, including his Mann Ki Baat radio program and the National Trade Fair. He also spoke about the festival during his visit to Indonesia in 2023.
Efforts are underway to obtain UNESCO recognition for Cuttack Bali Jatra. A committee has been formed at the administrative level to facilitate this process. Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde informed that steps will be taken to publicize Bali Jatra in various national programmes.
Last year, ambassadors and representatives from 14 countries attended the inaugural function of Bali Yatra in Cuttack as guests. The festival celebrates Odisha’s rich maritime history and commemorates India’s historical and civilizational links with Southeast Asia.
The recognition of Bali Jatra as a national festival is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange between Odisha and other states, as well as with Southeast Asian countries.
