Cuttack Bali Yatra 2025: Mayor writes to Odisha CM seeking permission for holding mega event at upper ground

Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to allow the upper ground to be used for the upcoming Bali Yatra 2025 in Cuttack, emphasising that confining the fair exclusively to the lower ground has allegedly hurt residents’ sentiments and could undermine the festival’s traditional heritage.

In an interaction with media persons on Monday evening, Singh also warned that using the upper ground solely as a parking area could lead to severe crowd and traffic management issues.

Administration Cites Crowd Management

The Mayor’s appeal comes after the Cuttack district administration decided to restrict commercial stalls to the lower ground near Gadagadia Ghat this year, leaving the upper ground free of commercial activity.

Authorities stated that previous editions using both grounds created coordination challenges for organising stalls and managing visitor flow. Officials have also emphasised safety protocols, asserting that limiting the fair to one ground will make crowd control easier and enhance overall security.

Residents Push For Upper Ground Restoration

Mayor Singh argued that transforming the upper ground into a parking area risks overloading city traffic, as visitors would naturally prefer to park closer to the fair. Copies of his letter were shared with Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, the Chief Secretary, and the district Collector.

Meanwhile, heritage activists and cultural organisations have also submitted memoranda urging a review of the decision, highlighting that the upper ground forms an integral part of Cuttack’s 1000-year-old maritime tradition and cultural identity.

ALSO READ: Devotees welcome Navratri across Odisha; Special Shailaputri rituals at Gada Chandi temple in Cuttack

2025 Bali Yatra arrangements

The festival is scheduled from November 5 to November 12, 2025, covering an expanded area of 60 acres, compared to 34 acres in previous years.

The event will feature two stages for cultural performances and over 50 buses to facilitate visitor transport. The daily program will conclude at 11 pm, with a focus on promoting Odia language and literature.