Odisha's Bali Yatra aiming for UNESCO heritage honour; over Rs 6 crore revenue generated from stall auction

The Odisha government is striving for global recognition of the historic Bali Yatra festival, an iconic cultural event held annually in Cuttack. 

While replying to a question by MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy in Odisha Assembly, Cultural Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Friday clarified that there is no current mechanism for national recognition of Bali Yatra, as such status is conferred by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“There is no provision for according to national status tag. UNESCO only grants recognition for intangible heritage as far as fairs and festivals are concerned. Be it Bali Yatra or Dhanu Yatra, we are trying to ensure that they get included in the UNESCO recognition and heritage map. Provision for funds has also been made in the budget as well,” said Suraj.

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Government Actively Engaging with UNESCO

In pursuit of international recognition, the Odisha government is working closely with UNESCO and has established an experts’ team to maintain consistent dialogue. The Minister expressed optimism, stating, "We are hopeful that UNESCO's recognition will be realised soon.”

Revenue From Stall Auctions In Bali Yatra

Cuttack's renowned Bali Yatra has witnessed a record turnout this year, with thousands flocking to the historic fair. A total of 2,438 stalls were established for attendees to explore, marking an impressive setup for the event.

Revenue from Stall Auctions and Fixed Rates

In reply to another question by MLA Sofia Firdous, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj revealed that of the total stalls, 1,188 were set up following bids in auctions while 1,250 were allocated at fixed rates in 2024. This successful model has generated a noteworthy revenue of Rs 6.38 crore.

The historic Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack is deeply rooted in tradition and attracts visitors from across the country, underscoring its cultural significance and economic impact. Bali Yatra not only celebrates the maritime heritage of Odisha but also boosts local economy through commerce and tourism.

Cuttack Bali Yatra Tagged As 'National Fair'

Recently, the Central government accorded ‘National Fair’ tag to Odisha’s famous Bali Yatra in Cuttack.