Bhubaneswar/Barang, Nov 11: The Bhubaneswar Baliyatra Mahotsav, held on the banks of the Kuakhai River, entered its seventh year this time with overwhelming public participation. On Monday, the sixth evening of the grand Baliyatra witnessed a massive gathering of enthusiastic visitors enjoying the festivities, cultural programmes, and food stalls.
The highlight of the evening was the electrifying performance by popular playback singer Deeptirekha Padhi, who mesmerised the audience with her melodious voice and a series of romantic hits such as Abhimanini, Jeevanthu Tu Mora, Hai Ta Prem Ghazal Ghazal, Sun Beliya, Hai To Premara Rangeeli, and Chal Kariba Thia Pala. Her captivating stage presence and soulful singing kept the audience spellbound throughout her performance.
Simultaneously, traditional folk art performances at another stage drew crowds, reflecting Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage. The event also witnessed a felicitation ceremony where eminent personalities from various fields, including journalism and social service, were honoured for their remarkable contributions.
Among the dignitaries present at the main stage were Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, BJP State Vice President Golak Mohapatra, Padma Shri awardee Adwaita Gadanayak, Er Suryakant Rath, Jeevan Kumar Baru, Abhay Badajena, Ashok Patra, Annapurna Mishra, Niranjan Swain, Subas Patra, and Yashobanta Ojha. The organising committee also requested the attending dignitaries to consider bringing the Bhubaneswar Baliyatra under government management to further enhance its scale and facilities.
Visitors thronged the ground to enjoy the melodies, spicy street food, the buzzing Meena Bazaar, and the excitement of ferrieswheel, making it a memorable evening filled with colours, music, and joy.
Meanwhile, at the Ekamra Kshetra Baliyatra, organised on the banks of the Kuakhai River near Bankual, western Odisha’s celebrated singer Mantu Chhuria and his team captivated the audience with their energetic Sambalpuri music performance. The evening drew a huge crowd, who enjoyed the lively musical session, said organisers Kabiraj Swain, Kshirod Swain, and senior volunteer Sunil Swain.
The cultural night began with a unique Pashumukha Nrutya by artists from Bishwajanani Kala Parishad, Bhanjanagar, promoting awareness about wildlife and forest conservation under the theme “Ama Kala Ama Sanskruti.”
Distinguished guests including MLA Siddhant Mohapatra, former Khadi Board Chairman Sangram Keshari Paikray, Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar, Rajendra Samartha, and several corporators graced the occasion.
Organisers announced that Comedy King Papu Pom Pom and renowned singer Antara Chakraborty will perform on Tuesday evening, promising yet another night of laughter and melody at the Baliyatra Mahotsav 2025.
