By SHILPA PRIYADARSHINI, OP
Kataka: Preparations are underway for the eight-day Bali Yatra festival, scheduled to be held from November 24 to December 1 in Kataka. District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde and KMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota Saturday inspected the ongoing arrangements at the lower Bali Yatra ground along with officials from various departments.
Addressing a press conference at Kataka in Kataka following the inspection, Collector Shinde said President Droupadi Murmu would attend the festival as the chief guest and inaugurate it for the first time. Governor Braj Mohan Ram and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi are also scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremony as guests.
The dignitaries will arrive at the festival venue by boat from the Silver City Boat Club as part of the inauguration ceremony.
Special arrangements are being made in view of the President’s visit. This year, the administration is placing special emphasis on ensuring a greener and plastic-free Bali Yatra. An MoU has been signed with ORMAS Mayurbhanj to promote the use of cotton and paper bags as alternatives to plastic. As in previous years, two stages will be set up for cultural programmes.
Around 80 per cent of Ollywood artists are expected to participate in this year’s festival. The administration has also decided to impose restrictions on amusement ride machines that are more than 10 years old to ensure public safety. For better traffic and parking management, most parking facilities will be arranged at Chahata.
Around 50 buses will also be deployed to facilitate the movement of visitors to and from the festival venue. Meanwhile, several programmes will be organised at the Kataka venue to mark the 150th anniversary of the Kataka Municipal Corporation (KMC). The programmes will showcase the historical and cultural links between Odisha and Bali, highlighting their shared heritage.
A special Disaster Management Committee has been formed this year to oversee the arrangements for Bali Yatra and inspect all ongoing preparations. In view of last year’s Ferris wheel mishap, the administration has decided not to permit rides that are more than 10 years old. Written undertakings have been obtained from ride operators in this regard.
A dedicated team will also inspect the rides every day to ensure safety. To prevent a repeat of last year’s overcrowding, the area in front of the main Ganakabi Baish nab Pani stage has been widened by 25 feet. Street vendors, who previously occupied spaces near the stage, will not be allowed to set up stalls in the vicinity this year.
Instead, designated locations will be allotted to them. The administration has decided not to invite any major Bollywood celebrity to perform at this year’s festival. Instead, around 80 per cent of the performers will be Ollywood artists, while cultural troupes from Odisha and other states will also present various programmes.