Bali Jatra is one of the most important festivals for the people of Odisha. This festival is also known as Boita Bandana, which is held in Cuttack on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and lasts for more than seven days. This is also considered one of the largest open-air trade fairs in Asia. These festivals of Odisha are held in Odisha in the city of Cuttack at Gadagadia Ghata of the Mahanadi River to remember the day when Odia mariners or Shadabas would sell to the distance of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Sri Lanka for cultural and trade expansion.
Bali Jatra – The Festival Every Odia Awaits For
Many Odia people cherish the tradition and culture of Bali Jatra. The boats are authentically called Boitas by the local people. These boats are crafted from paper, or banana stems and are floated in the river to remember the memories the generations of Odia people share.
Adults, children, and older people gather to sail these symbolic boats, remembering the daring journey of their ancestors, who sailed across the Bay of Bengal to expand their trade in Southeast Asia. The symbolic launch of these boats reminds us of the age-old tradition and spirit that also says about the audacity of this festival.
The Biggest Open-Air Trade Festival in India
The Bali Jatra 2024 Date is not particular, but it is mainly held on the day of the full moon of Kartika Purnima. It attracts several visitors and stretches across acres of open land and riverbanks in Cuttack. In recent years, it has been known as Asia’s largest open-air festival, sprawling over 44 acres and hosting around 1500 stalls. This land area also exceeds 5 million people over these eight days. This creates Bali Jatra not just as a festival but also as a huge celebration of Odisha’s culture and the audacity of this economic heritage.
What is the Maritime History of Celebrating this Age-Old Trade Fair?
By the end of the second century BC, Indian merchants seem to have gained enough knowledge about ocean currents and monsoon winds to try a more southern path to the Indonesian islands across the Indian Ocean. An important beginning point for this journey was Lake Chilika in Odisha. This enormous lake has a modest connection to the sea and is filled with saltwater. As a result, Kalinga’s sailors chose the lake as a safe harbour. There are probably still broken piles of old pottery scattered around the lake’s edges.
Why Merchants Do Not Sail Directly Towards Indonesia?
Keep in mind that the ships did not set sail toward Indonesia straight. Rather, they sailed down the coast to Sri Lanka using the northeast monsoon winds, which began to blow in mid-November. This path was already well-known, and it is likely that traders made stops along the way to conduct business.
Before employing ocean currents to traverse the Indian Ocean to the northern tip of Sumatra, known in Sanskrit scriptures as Swarnadwipa or the Island of Gold, the ships in Sri Lanka would have brought in fresh water and supplies. From here, the ships might opt to travel to Borneo and Vietnam by sailing down the Straits of Malacca towards Palembang.
Why Bali Jatra is the Biggest Trade Marketplace in South-East Asia?
Merchants from all across India and outside set up stalls during Bali Jatra, which is known as one of the largest trade markets in Southeast Asia. From jewellery, handicrafts, and textiles to traditional Odia cuisine, Bali Jatra offers a venue for craftspeople and businesspeople, transforming it into a massively successful commercial event. You should also know about these heavenly handicrafts.
How to Embrace the Rich Heritage of Odisha’s History?
Bali Jatra is the ideal occasion to display the elaborate handicrafts that are renowned in Odisha. An amazing collection of Sambalpuri sarees, brassware from Dhenkanal, silver work from Cuttack, and Pattachitra paintings are available for visitors to view. Both locals and visitors are drawn to these handcrafted gems, which are rich in cultural symbolism and craftsmanship. This gives craftsmen the opportunity to become well-known and make a significant income. Celebrate this unique festival and mark it on your calendar with the Bali Jatra 2024 Date with a trip to the past.
