Cuttack, August 26: The historic Baliyatra in Cuttack is scheduled to begin on November 24 and continue until December 1, Cuttack Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde has said.

According to the Collector, this year’s Baliyatra will be bigger and more spectacular than in previous years. The annual festival will be organised across both the upper and lower grounds.

The district administration has also decided to address shortcomings reported during last year’s event. Special emphasis will be placed on traffic management and parking facilities, with arrangements being made to provide larger parking areas for visitors and ensure smoother vehicle movement.

Artists from different states are also expected to participate in this year’s festival. Water sports will be organised in the Mahanadi throughout the duration of Bali Yatra, adding another attraction for visitors.

With the festival spread across both grounds, the administration plans to give greater attention to security and overall arrangements. The focus, the Collector said, will be on ensuring that visitors can enjoy the festival safely and return home with a positive experience.

The Bali Yatra, one of Odisha’s most prominent cultural festivals, is celebrated annually in Cuttack to commemorate the state’s rich maritime history and its historic links with Southeast Asia.