Bali Yatra 2024: Cultural event timing extended, programmes to continue till 10:30 PM

The cultural programme at the Bali Yatra in Cuttack has been extended by half an hour following the intervention of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. The state government has decided to extend the duration by 30 minutes, allowing the event to continue until 10:30 PM instead of the original cut-off at 10 PM.

Earlier, on Saturday, due to time restrictions, singer Asima Panda's performance had to be abruptly ended by the police. She was reportedly escorted off the stage, which led to a strong dissatisfaction among the audience. In response to this public discontent, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi intervened, resulting in the decision to extend the programme time till 10:30 PM.

Furthermore, the District Collector also extended the time for use of the sound systems/loud speakers till 10:30 PM of both Ganakabi Baishnab Pani Mancha and Akshay Mohanty Mancha at Lower Bali Yatra ground in the larger interest of general public.

In a notification, the District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, “Cultural troupes from different countries, state and districts are invited to showcase their culture, tradition and rich heritage during the observation of Historic Baliyatra at Ganakabi Baishnab Pani Mancha and Akshay Mohanty Mancha.”

“Every day lakhs of people from across the State are coming to the historic Bali Yatra to witness the Asia’s largest open trade fair which is also recognized as State Level Utsav to showcase its rich heritage and enjoy cultural programmes,” the letter further read.

“Therefore, I Shri Dattatraya Bahusaheb Shinde, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Cuttack in exercise of the power conferred upon U/s 5(3) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 (As amended till 10/08/2017 vide S.O. 2555 (E) of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt of India), do hereby accord necessary permission to use the sound systems/loudspeakers till 10:30PM w.e.f 17.11.2024 to 22.11.2024 of both Ganakabi Baishnab Pani Mancha and Akshay Mohanty Mancha at Lower Baliyatra Ground in the larger interest of general public,” the District Collector’s letter read.

The Additional District Magistrate (General), Cuttack has been designated as ‘Nodal Officer’ for the proper implementation of above-mentioned directive.