Let’s Explore Bali Jatra In Cuttack With Argus News

Giving a brief on Cuttack is difficult in words. For more than a hundred years, Cuttack has been called ‘Silver City’ and ‘Millennium City’ for this famous silver filigree work. Cuttack flourished as a centre of attraction for politics, commerce, trade, rich culture, and historical heritage. It was also the capital of Odisha at the end of the 10th century A.D during the Somavanansi dynasty of Odisha. Cuttack city was initially known as ‘Abhinab-Baranasi–Katak’ and it is located amidst the two big rivers, the names ‘Mahanadi’ and ‘Kathajodi’. As it is an old city, following old cultures as well. From Barabati to filigree, Durga Puja to Baliyatra, it is considered such epicentres of glorious cultural significance in Odisha.   

Cuttack’s Balijatra or Baliyatra is the great illustrious event that memorializes the ancient maritime trade links of Odisha and Odia’s huge commercial-cultural prominence merchants called Sadhabas. Cuttack is located on the river bank of Mahanadi and womenfolk perform their ‘Boita Bandana’ on the early morning of Kartika Purnima.  It is an observance of the beginning of the journey of Odia merchants to South-East Asian Countries. The fair-fest takes place near Barabati Palace in Cuttack week-long. There are many businessmen and traders who participate by placing their commercial stalls of numerous goods.

Baliyatra is being the grandest and most popular event. Undoubtedly, it is placed as the second-largest event in Asia.

A list of popular stalls in Baliyatra is mentioned below:
•    Stonework
•    Silver Filigree
•    Woodcraft
•    Applique Work
•    Brass & Bell Metal Work
•    Dokra Castings
•    Horn Work
•    Pattachitra
•    Paper Mache
•    Terracotta
•    Tie & Dye Textile in Cotton
•    Tassar & Silk

Cuttack Baliyatra is considered Asia's largest Open Trade Fair. It spreads across 100 acres and it is a week-long annual affair. This big trade fair is an extravaganza of culture, art along with technology.

And, it is fully incomplete with the special cuisine that the people of Odisha wait every year to devour. At this commerce fair and grand-level trade, Pan-Indian Businesses from several industries promote their services and products towards attracting high sales and creating revenue graphs. Cultural programs are centre of attraction at Baliyatra. Famous Bollywood stars are seen displaying their singing and dancing talents on the stage. Some of the most popular programs are Folk Dances, Odissi, and kinds of music from every corner of Odisha. There are opportunities for visitors to just enjoy a star-studded performance, it is absolutely free.

Patha Utsav at Baliyatra gives the greatest platform to the local artists. It hosts special activities for children and senior citizens. A lot of sporting activities take place a unique experience to visitors. Some are Boating, Roller Skating, and Water Sports.

Also, Baliyatra invites huge crowds for several amusement rides followed by the giant wheel and feisty dragon. There are a lot of stalls that offer excitement games like rings, balloon shooting, and etcetera. These games keep the attendees hooked.  This big fair is the most awaited by food lovers.

It has been serving an array of budget-friendly and drool-worthy titillates to delicacies to the taste buds of foodies.  

The most popular delicaices are in Balijatra
•    Thunka Puri
•    Mathura Cake
•    Bhaja Lanka
•    Kataki Dahibara Aludum
•    Barafa Pan
•    Gupchup

The varieties of seafood are also a major pull for food lovers.

The world-famous Baliyatra festival starts on November 8th in Cuttack, Odisha as per the guidelines set by the NGT (National Green Tribunal), informed Cuttack Collector.
Reportedly, more than 2, 000 traders set up around 1,400 stalls in Baliyatra ground. About 70 Lakh people are expected this year after a gap of 2 years of corona pandemic. This year, CMC is planning to make ten thousand paper boats in 15 minutes to break Guinness World Records.

Argus News has also a stall in Baliyatra. We arrange varieties of games for children along with award for winners. Our representatives are available to record and brief about Balijatra. You can also visit our social platforms Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Share Chat, InstaPaper, Moz, LinkedIn, Koo along with You Tube to enjoy world famous Baliyatra.

About Author:

Abinash is a renowned journalist and has possessed decades of experience. He mostly covers Odisha News today. In addition he has special interest in blogging. For recent few years, he has been contributing quality pieces for Argus News Live.