Cuttack admin confirms Bali Yatra venue, annual festival to be held on ‘Upar Padia’

The historic Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack will be held on the Upar Padia (the ground near Barabati fort) this year, marking an important resolution to the long-standing debate over the venue. The Cuttack district administration on Thursday submitted an affidavit to the Orissa High Court, confirming its decision to organise the iconic festival on the upper stretch of the Bali Yatra ground.

According to reports, the High Court accepted the affidavit and allowed the administration to go ahead with the decision, taking into account public sentiment, cultural continuity, and the festival’s rich tradition. The court observed that the festival holds deep emotional and historical significance for the people of Odisha and should be conducted in a manner that upholds this legacy.

Earlier, it had been proposed that the festival be confined only to the lower ground, leading to widespread concerns among traders, organizers, and cultural bodies. Several petitions were subsequently filed, urging the authorities to allow the fair to continue at its traditional site.

Also Read: Bali Yatra ground declared ‘no drone zone’ from Nov 1 to 15

Following multiple rounds of discussions and public appeals, the district administration reaffirmed its commitment to the cultural essence of Bali Yatra and secured the court’s approval.

Meanwhile, the administration has also declared the Bali Yatra Ground and its surrounding areas a ‘No Drone Zone’ from November 1 to November 15, 2025, as part of heightened security measures ahead of the grand annual fair, which draws millions of visitors every year to celebrate Odisha’s glorious maritime heritage.