Cuttack: Odisha’s biggest trade Fair ‘Bali Jatra’ will kick start from 23 November at the historic Bali Jatra Ground on the banks of Mahanadi river in Cuttack.
Announcing this, Cuttack district Collector Aravind Agrawal said that the trade fair will be held from 23 November to 29 November as per the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Bali Jatra is also known as Boita Bandana. The festival marks the day when ancient Sadhabas (Oriya mariners) would set sail to distant lands of Bali, as well as Java, Sumatra, Borneo (all in Indonesia), and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural expansion. They sailed in large vessels called Boitas.
Bali Jatra is also associated with Taapoi and rituals like Bhalukuni Osha or Khudurukuni Osha and Bada Osha.
The festival marks its beginning at Kartik Purnima and goes on for a period of seven days from the full moon. This is the specific time that was considered auspicious by the Sadhabas to begin their voyage in vessels called Boitas. The voyage is begun on Kartika Purnima to take advantage of the favorable wind blowing during this time. Ajhala or big fabric sails were used to harness the wind power to move the Boitas.
Bali Jatra bears testimony to the rich maritime legacy of ancient Odisha.