Cuttack, Nov 4 (UDN): In a major step towards promoting environmental sustainability and showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, the historic Bali Yatra in Cuttack will be organised as a plastic-free event this year. The grand fair will place special emphasis on promoting the state’s traditional handloom, handicrafts and rural products, with the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) planning to set up as many as 500 stalls across the fairground.
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The preparations for the annual Bali Yatra and the upcoming State Book Festival were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
Bali Yatra from November 24 to December 1
This year’s Bali Yatra will be held from November 24 to December 1, with the state government proposing a budget allocation of Rs 10 crore for the event.
Two dedicated stages will host a series of cultural programmes, showcasing Odisha’s diverse artistic traditions and cultural performances. A special attraction will be the expected participation of a delegation from Bali, Indonesia, highlighting the centuries-old maritime, cultural and historical connections between Odisha and the Indonesian island.
‘Cuttack-in-Cuttack’ to Highlight Odisha-Bali Heritage
A special pavilion titled ‘Cuttack-in-Cuttack’ will be developed to showcase the historical and cultural links between ancient Kalinga and Bali. Visitors will get an opportunity to explore similarities in language, food, traditional attire and cultural practices.
The pavilion will also feature a digital information wall, along with displays of traditional palm-leaf manuscripts, offering visitors a glimpse into Odisha’s glorious past and its longstanding cultural connections with Southeast Asia.
State Book Festival from December 4
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the State Book Festival, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from December 4 to 14.
The festival will feature special thematic pavilions dedicated to the life and legacy of Kapilendra Deva, ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Gyan Bharatam’. Several literary activities, including children’s literature programmes, interactive ‘Meet the Author’ sessions, quiz competitions and open-mic events, will also be organised to encourage reading and literary engagement.
Cultural Infrastructure Projects Reviewed
Apart from the two major events, the meeting reviewed the progress of several important cultural infrastructure projects across the state.
These include Kalamandala, the Utkal University of Culture auditorium, Kala Vikash Kendra, Bakul Bana and the renovation of Bhanja Kala Mandap.
Proposals for establishing a modern museum in Bhubaneswar, a Jagannath Interpretation Centre and Museum in Puri, and a regional campus of the National School of Drama were also discussed.
The Culture Minister directed the concerned officials to speed up the ongoing works and ensure that all projects are completed within their stipulated deadlines.
Culture Department Secretary Dr Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, along with senior officials from IDCO, OBCC and the Culture Department, attended the review meeting.
With a focus on sustainability, cultural exchange and rural entrepreneurship, Bali Yatra 2026 is expected to offer visitors a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s traditions while providing a major platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs.
