Historic Cuttack Bali Yatra 2025 kicks off: CM Mohan Majhi inaugurates grand fair on Mahanadi Banks

The much-awaited Bali Yatra, one of Asia’s largest trade and cultural fairs, has officially begun in Cuttack on Wednesday, marking the start of a weeklong celebration of Odisha’s glorious maritime history and cultural heritage.

The fair was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who extended his best wishes to traders, visitors, and cultural performers participating in the event.

This year’s Baliyatra carries a special theme — “Aama Bhasha Aama Sahitya” (Our Language, Our Literature) — highlighting the richness of Odia language and literature. For the first time, the “Cuttack-In-Cuttack” pavilion has been entirely dedicated to showcasing Odia literary works, writers, and the evolution of the language through the ages.

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Sprawling across the banks of the Mahanadi River, the fairground has been transformed into a vibrant hub of trade, tourism, and tradition. The festival, which will continue till November 12, features thousands of stalls selling handicrafts, handlooms, household items, and traditional food.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of cultural performances, food festivals, and exhibitions that capture the essence of Odisha’s maritime past. Each evening, as the sun sets, thousands of visitors are expected to throng the fairground, turning it into a sea of lights, colours, and festive cheer, reaffirming Bali Yatra’s status as one of Odisha’s most iconic cultural celebrations.