Bali Jatra, the biggest trade fair in Odisha, began on the banks of Mahanadi river in Cuttack city today ( 15 November 2024).

• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the fair in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and many other dignitaries in the Silver City.
• CM said that the state government will provide Rs 200 crore for Mahanadi riverfront projects in Cuttack and Sambalpur.The twin projects will be implemented in line with the Sabarmati riverfront project in Gujarat.

Key Highlights

• The iconic trade fair will continue till November 22.
• The annual fair is organised on the banks of Mahanadi to celebrate the glorious maritime history of Odisha.
• The state government has invited the ambassadors and envoys of several countries to this year’s Bali Jatra in an effort to obtain an international recognition to the annual fair, said Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida.
• The Ambassadors and High Commissioners of 14 countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand and Singapore were present at the inaugural ceremony of this year’s Bali Jatra.
• Cultural troupes from Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Slovakia are scheduled to perform during the 8-day fair.