Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today extended the historic Bali Jatra by one more day.
Keeping in view the interest and enthusiasm of the people, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has extended the period of the historic Bali Yatra by one more day. The eight-day festival, which began on November 15 on Kartik Purnima, will end on the ninth day. It was informed by the office of the Chief Minister on ‘X’ handle.
One of Asia’s largest open trade fairs, Bali Jatra was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on November 15. It was scheduled to end on November 22.
In a first, ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from 14 ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and Pacific countries participated in the fair, which is locally known as ‘Bali Jatra’.
The fair has its roots in Odisha’s rich maritime history. In ancient times, Odia traders, known as ‘Sadhabas’, would embark on sea voyages to places like Bali, Java, and Sumatra in vessels called Boita. These traders would set out on their long journeys from Kartika Purnima, a full moon day. To commemorate this glorious event, Odisha observes the Bali Jatra fair in Cuttack.
This year’s fair is spread over more than 20 acres of land, with two fairgrounds housing over 2,500 makeshift stalls.
