Bhubaneswar gets its own Bali Jatra

Bhubaneswar: The famous Bali Jatra is now not confined to Cuttack only. Bhubaneswar is making attempts to recreate the festive fervour of the famous annual fair of Cuttack in its own backyard. The Bhubaneswar Bali Jatra was kicked off yesterday on the banks of river Prachi near Barang on the outskirts of the city.

Stalls for sale of various household and food items are set up in the fair along with attractive stalls for entertainment of children. The organisers have also lined up cultural programs in the evening to enhance the experience of visitors.

"The Bali Jatra was famous in Cuttack. It is held for the first time this year in Bhubaneswar. People are currently unaware about it but later on they will come to know. I enjoyed it and hope that people visit here in large numbers next year and it is organised on a larger scale," said a visitor.

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"Our stall is full of various household items made of iron. It is for the first time we have attended Bali Jatra in Bhubaneswar and as large number of people are arriving here the business is good," said businessman, Ratnakar Ojha.

"Our dream has become a reality. The fair will be organised in a larger scale next year. Nearly 50-60 stalls are set up this year and people from nearby places are also visiting," said event organiser Laxmidhar Parida.