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Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony, CM Majhi described Bali Yatra as “a beautiful chapter in Odisha’s glorious history.” Recognised as Eastern India’s largest cultural and commercial fair, the event has been held annually along the Mahanadi riverbanks for generations, drawing thousands to celebrate commerce, art, and tradition. In a major announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government’s grant for organising Bali Yatra would be increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore starting this year. “This historic festival deserves our full support to preserve and promote our cultural heritage,” Majhi said, underscoring the government’s commitment to blending development with tradition. Majhi also unveiled ambitious plans to transform Cuttack – long celebrated as the “Silver City” for its filigree work – into a “Starry Sky” destination, enhancing its tourism appeal. Under the Mahanadi River Front Development Scheme, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the beautification of the Mahanadi riverbank, aiming to create a world-class waterfront experience. The state is actively pursuing UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Balijatra, alongside development initiatives for Barabati Fort and Gadakhai in the Cuttack-Baripada region. Future projects include upgrading the Dhabaleswar Peeth and Nandikishor Peeth along the Mahanadi, Majhi added. “Bali Yatra is more than a commercial event; it is deeply intertwined with Odisha’s art, culture, and spiritual ethos,” the Chief Minister emphasised. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development with Heritage) mantra, he highlighted how the government is infusing new momentum into cultural preservation and economic growth. Majhi outlined Odisha’s maritime ambitions, leveraging the state’s 575 km coastline for a port-led economy. Beyond existing hubs like Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, 14 minor ports are planned. Key projects include developments at Bahuda (with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore, positioning it as Odisha’s second-largest port after Paradip), Subarnarekha, Astaranga, and Jatadhara estuaries. A Rs 24,700 crore shipbuilding and repair facility is also slated near Paradip at the Mahanadi mouth. “Odisha will become the Gateway of Eastern India through maritime trade,” Majhi declared. Reflecting on the government’s first 500 days in office, Majhi noted significant strides in education, health, livelihoods, industry, women’s empowerment, infrastructure, and preserving Odia identity. Addressing Cuttack residents, he urged them to uphold the city’s ethos of brotherhood: “Cuttack is a city of harmony – let peace and order prevail.” During the event, Majhi toured the stalls, praising the festival’s enhanced vibrancy with nearly 2,000 vendors. “From a business perspective, discovering new products and strengthening communal bonds is our goal,” he said, expecting this year’s turnover to surpass last year’s ₹200 crore. The Chief Minister released the Balijatra souvenir and presented a ceremonial model boat to Indonesia’s Ambassador IIna Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi, honouring the Southeast Asian nation as the guest country. He also awarded Rs 1 lakh and a trophy to students from Badambagh Mohan Subudhi Mahavidyalaya for their play Kala Nandini, and distributed books to children to promote language and literature. Odisha’s Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, remarked that Balijatra constantly reminds us of our ethnic pride. “Odia influence endures in Southeast Asia, inspiring self-reliance and excellence,” he said, calling for Odisha to lead in Atmanirbhar Bharat. Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray thanked Majhi for ensuring the festival’s success, while Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab described Balijatra as an “uninterrupted legacy and unparalleled symbol of Cuttack’s brotherhood.” He emphasised the importance of uncovering hidden histories in the Cuttack-Baripada area and harnessing local skills for future prosperity. Ambassador Krishnamurti highlighted Balijatra’s role in showcasing not just Odisha’s seafaring past but also the deep ties with Indonesia, where similar maritime tales are embedded in cultural lore. She expressed gratitude to Majhi and the state government for the warm hospitality. MLAs Souvic Biswal, Sofia Firdous, and Prakash Chandra Sethi also addressed the gathering. Among the dignitaries present were Development Commissioner Anu Garg, RDC Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh, District Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Sinde, and Additional District Collector Shiv Toppo. The Collector welcomed attendees, while the Additional Collector extended thanks, setting the stage for what promises to be a grand celebration of Odisha’s enduring spirit.
