Kataka: A budget of Rs 17 crore has been earmarked for this year’s Baliyatra, with the state government contributing Rs 10 crore and the district administration bearing the remaining expenditure, District Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde said on Saturday.
The 2026 edition of the historic fair assumes special significance as President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the event. Foreign dignitaries have also been invited to attend the annual festival.
Addressing a press conference at the Baliyatra ground, Shinde said special security arrangements and certain restrictions would be put in place in view of the President’s visit. Her entry route is being aesthetically developed, while arrangements have also been made for itinerant vendors and shopkeepers.
The President is scheduled to reach the fairground by boat from the Silver City Boat Club. She will first inaugurate ‘Kataka in Kataka’ before formally inaugurating Baliyatra 2026 from the main stage.
More than 1,800 stalls are expected to come up at this year’s fair. The allotment of around 1,400 plots has been completed, while the remaining plots will be allocated after assessing the time available.
The administration has also put in place special contingency arrangements to deal with possible natural disasters.
In an effort to promote an eco-friendly celebration, the administration has imposed a complete ban on plastic at the fair. Traders have furnished affidavits pledging not to use plastic during the event.
Two cultural stages will be established, with priority being given to local artists for cultural performances. To facilitate smooth movement of visitors, parking facilities have been identified at 18 locations, with special traffic and crowd-management arrangements planned.
CMC Commissioner Kiran Deep Kaur and other senior district administration officials attended the press conference. Earlier, the Collector inspected the lower ground of the Baliyatra venue.
