Bhubaneswar: Cuttack’s iconic Baliyatra festival is set to become an international spectacle, attracting tourists from 13 countries. The nine-day extravaganza, beginning November 14, will feature foreign stalls, cultural performances, and traditional delicacies.
Cuttack District Collector Dattatreya B Shinde has revealed this.
Around 7 lakh people are expected to attend the festival, which aims to promote Baliyatra globally.
Confirming that all preparations are done, Shinde said, “Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the festival at 5 pm on November 14, with diplomats and high commissioners from 13 countries in attendance. Artists from various countries will showcase their talents during the festival. Additionally, the ‘Pitha Mahotsav’ will offer a unique opportunity for locals to savour traditional foreign delicacies.”
Highlighting the efforts to make Baliyatra a grand success, he said, “This year’s Baliyatra will feature several attractions, including a laser show and a drone show on the Mahanadi River, with 400 drones participating for the first time. The festival will be held on 34 acres of land below and around 8 acres above, with approximately 2,500 stalls booked. Around 7 lakh people are expected to attend the festival. Special arrangements have been made for the elderly and differently-abled, including 6 eight-seater golf carts and 30 e-rickshaws. The number of toilets has been increased to 380, up from 200 last year.”
“Besides, Baliyatra will showcase Odia heritage and Odia cinema. A Film Festival will be organized, screening popular Odia films, with three shows daily. Films will also be screened at the Biju Pattanaik Film Institute. Bollywood Nights which will feature colourful performances will add zing to the festival”, maintained the Collector.
