Balijatra literally means A Voyage to Bali. This festival is held in Odisha, in the city
of Cuttack at Gadagadia Ghata of the Mahanadi river, to mark 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. Taapoi is closely associated
with the Bali Jatra festival, which recalls traditional memories of young
maidens waiting for the return of their sailor brothers. To commemorate this,
the festival is celebrated every year from the day of Kartika Purnima according
to the Oriya Calendar.
In Cuttack, Bali Jatra is celebrated annually as a large
open fair near the Barabati Fort area. It is said to be the largest fair of
Odisha state. There are several attractions for children, and food stalls
selling Oriya delicacies (Cuttacki Dahivada Aludum, Thunka puri, Barafa pan,
Gupchup, etc.) from different parts of the state, and other vendors selling
Handicraft product, Handloom Product, curiosities, and other gifts. Bali Jatra also provides a lot of cultural
programs. Every year millions of people from all over the nation come to experience
it.
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