Cuttack: This year, the historic Bali Jatra in Cuttack is set to be even more captivating, with several new attractions and events. The registration process for the festival, scheduled to begin on November 15th, officially started on Tuesday.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Cuttack Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde shared updates about the preparations.
“This year, a unified organizing committee has been formed, comprising representatives from all relevant departments. The committee is chaired by the Collector, while the CMC (Cuttack Municipal Corporation) Commissioner serves as the convenor. All decisions are being taken collectively to ensure smooth coordination. We’ve implemented an integrated tender process to avoid discrepancies in rates, and all events will be managed in a well-coordinated manner,” said Shinde.
The Collector further explained that the area allocated for Bali Jatra, as permitted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has been divided into three distinct categories: the first for government organizations and events, the second for business purposes through auction, and the third for entertainment such as ferris wheels and food stalls.
To enhance the festival’s appeal, a special “Cuttack-in-Cuttack” pavilion will showcase Odia pride (Odia asmita) through Odia cinema (Ollywood).
Additionally, cultural programs featuring popular Bollywood artists Sonu Nigam, Suresh Wadekar, Anup Jalota, and Piyush Mishra are scheduled to perform.
For the first time in the event’s history, the rich heritage and history of Bali Jatra will be showcased through spectacular drone and laser shows, offering visitors a unique experience.
