Bhubaneswar, November 5: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday evening inaugurated the 2025 edition of the historic Cuttack Bali Yatra at the Bali Yatra Ground.

The annual Bali Yatra, one of Odisha’s most iconic festivals, will continue until November 12 this year. The fair features over 1,600 stalls showcasing a diverse array of products, including handicrafts, spices, clothing, and goods from cottage industries. Traders from both within and outside the state have gathered to display their wares.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of local Odia delicacies, such as the famous Cuttack Dahibara and Thunkapuri, while enjoying daily cultural performances of dance and music. These performances aim to entertain and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has ensured smooth event operations by providing special parking facilities, drinking water, and other essential amenities for the convenience of visitors.

For security, the Commissionerate Police has deployed 50 platoons of forces along with senior officers. Additionally, 20 control rooms have been set up, and extensive surveillance systems, including CCTV and drone monitoring, have been implemented. Traffic management and parking arrangements have also been carefully coordinated to ensure the safety and convenience of the public.

The event was attended by Suryabanshi Suraj, the Minister of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, along with several prominent political figures.

Among the dignitaries present at the inauguration were Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi, and Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal. Also in attendance were the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and other government officials.

It is worth noting that the Cuttack Bali Yatra is celebrated annually on Kartik Purnima, marking an important cultural event in Odisha’s festive calendar.