Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s historic Bali Yatra will go plastic-free this year, with the state government planning a series of cultural attractions and exhibitions to celebrate the state’s rich maritime legacy and centuries-old links with Southeast Asia.
The eight-day festival, scheduled to be held in Kataka from November 24 to December 1, will feature around 500 stalls of the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), showcasing the state’s traditional handloom, handicraft and indigenous products while providing a platform for local artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs.
The preparations were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
Two dedicated stages will host cultural programmes, while a special pavilion will showcase the historical and cultural connections between ancient Kalinga and Bali.
A delegation from Bali is also expected to attend the festival.
The ‘Kataka-in-Kataka’ pavilion will be among the major attractions, highlighting similarities in language, food, clothing and manuscript traditions.
It will showcase Bali’s traditional lontar manuscripts alongside Odisha’s palm-leaf manuscript heritage.
A digital information wall will further acquaint visitors with the centuries-old maritime and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
The minister also reviewed preparations for the Odisha State Book Festival, scheduled in Bhubaneswar from December 4 to 14.
He proposed special pavilions on the life and contributions of Kapilendra Deva, besides thematic displays on ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Gyan Bharatam’. Children’s literature programmes, author interactions, quizzes and open-mic sessions are also planned.
Reviewing other departmental projects, Suraj directed officials to expedite the Kalamandala project and asked IDCO to accelerate its completion.
Plans for a modern museum in Bhubaneswar and the proposed Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre and Museum in Puri were also discussed.
The meeting further reviewed the renovation of Bhanja Kala Mandap, a regional National School of Drama campus, the Baraputra Heritage Village scheme and the installation of statues of eminent personalities.
The minister directed officials to complete all projects within stipulated timelines.