States » EastPosted at: Nov 4 2026 2:06PM


Odisha’s historic Bali yatra to go plastic-free this year; 500 ORMAS stalls to showcase State’s heritage

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UNI) In a major step towards promoting environmental sustainability and preserving Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, the state government has decided to make the historic Bali Yatra in Cuttack a plastic-free event this year.
The eight-day festival, scheduled to be held from November 24 to December 1, will feature a range of cultural attractions, traditional products and exhibitions highlighting the historical ties between ancient Kalinga and Bali.
The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Odisha Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, to assess preparations for the annual festival, one of the state's most prominent cultural and maritime heritage celebrations.
As part of the arrangements, around 500 stalls under the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) will showcase the state's rich handloom and handicraft products, providing a platform for local artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs.
Two dedicated stages will be established for cultural programmes, while a special pavilion will highlight the historical, cultural and traditional connections between Bali and ancient Kalinga. A delegation from Bali is also expected to visit the festival this year, adding an international dimension to the celebrations.
One of the major attractions will be the 'Cuttack-in-Cuttack' pavilion, which will feature a special exhibition showcasing the cultural similarities between Bali and ancient Kalinga. The exhibition will highlight shared linguistic traditions, food habits, clothing styles and manuscript traditions, including Bali's traditional lontar manuscripts and Odisha's palm-leaf manuscript heritage.
A digital information wall will also be installed to familiarise visitors with the historical and cultural connections between the two regions, reinforcing the centuries-old maritime links between Odisha and Southeast Asia.
During the meeting, the minister also reviewed preparations for the Odisha State Book Festival, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from December 4 to 14.
He suggested setting up special pavilions showcasing the life and contributions of Kapilendra Deva, along with dedicated thematic displays based on 'Vande Mataram' and 'Gyan Bharatam'.
Several literary and cultural activities are also being planned to attract readers, particularly young visitors. These will include children's literature programmes, a 'Meet the Author' corner, quiz competitions and open-mic sessions.
Apart from reviewing preparations for the two major events, the minister assessed the progress of various ongoing projects under the Culture Department and directed officials to expedite their implementation.
He asked officials of the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) to accelerate the completion of the Kalamandala project.
The meeting also reviewed plans for establishing a modern museum in the state capital and identifying suitable land for the proposed Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre and Museum in Puri. Progress on the renovation of Bhanja Kala Mandap was also discussed.
Other important projects reviewed included the establishment of a regional campus of the National School of Drama, implementation of the Baraputra Heritage Village scheme and installation of statues of eminent personalities who have made significant contributions to Odisha's history and culture.
The minister directed the concerned officials to ensure that all projects undertaken by the Culture Department are completed within their stipulated timelines.
With preparations underway, this year's Bali Yatra is expected to offer visitors a vibrant blend of tradition, cultural exchange, local craftsmanship and environmental responsibility, while celebrating Odisha's glorious maritime legacy.
UNI DP
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