Cuttack: The Historic Baliyatra Cuttack-2025 is witnessing massive footfall, and among its biggest attractions this year is a unique initiative to promote Odia language, literature, and culture. Visitors are flocking to the Cuttack in Cuttack Pavilion at the Lower Baliyatra Ground, where the district administration is distributing Odia books free of cost.
The pavilion, themed “Odia Language and Literature”, has become the cultural heart of the fair. As part of this initiative, the administration aims to distribute over one lakh books to students and visitors during the eight-day event. Of these, 75,000 books have been procured by the administration, while the rest have been donated by citizens and literary enthusiasts.
Damapara Tehsildar, who is supervising the distribution, said the process is being carried out in a structured manner. “Books are being distributed daily in small batches between 4 PM and 9:30 PM. There is high demand for all types of books—from novels and poetry to essays and children’s literature,” she said.
Visitors are expressing great enthusiasm for the initiative. A visitor who received a book, said, “This effort by the administration to promote the Odia language is commendable. Giving books for free encourages people to read and reconnect with our cultural heritage.”
For the past three days, the book stall has been drawing long queues of eager readers seeking works by celebrated Odia authors and storytellers. With the weekend approaching, the crowd at the pavilion is expected to grow even larger, reflecting both the literary spirit and cultural pride of Odisha.
