Bhubaneswar, Nov 12: President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the historic Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack on November 24, on the banks of the Mahanadi River, the district administration announced. Her participation is expected to add special significance to this year’s celebrations of Odisha’s rich maritime heritage.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Braj Mohan Ram are also scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremony. The district administration had formally invited the President, and the President’s Office has conveyed her consent to attend the event.
The eight-day maritime festival will continue until December 1 and will be organised across both the upper and lower Bali Jatra grounds. As part of the preparations, the administration has completed land allocation for more than 500 plots, while other arrangements and formalities are currently underway.
Considering the President’s visit, elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth conduct of the inaugural programme. A special security and traffic management plan has been prepared to handle the movement of dignitaries and the expected gathering of visitors. A city-wide beautification drive will also be undertaken ahead of the festival, with all concerned departments working in coordination.
Meanwhile, the theme for this year’s ‘Cuttack in Cuttack’ initiative will be finalised after considering suggestions received from the public.
Notably, Bali Jatra is among the country’s largest trade and cultural fairs, commemorating Odisha’s glorious maritime history and ancient trade links with Southeast Asian countries. The festival attracts lakhs of visitors every year through its traditional handicrafts, food stalls, exhibitions and cultural performances. The President’s inauguration is expected to mark a memorable chapter in the festival’s history.
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