The historic Cuttack Bali Jatra 2025, one of Asia’s largest open-air fairs celebrating Odisha’s glorious maritime heritage, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday evening on the banks of the Mahanadi River. The grand inauguration ceremony took place at Baishnab Pani Mancha, where the Chief Minister arrived in a beautifully decorated Boita (traditional maritime boat), symbolising the state’s centuries-old trade and cultural ties with Southeast Asian nations.

During the ceremony, CM Majhi made a landmark announcement, increasing the state government’s grant for Bali Jatra from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving Odisha’s maritime legacy and promoting cultural tourism. He also revealed that Cuttack, the Silver City of Odisha, will be developed into a textile hub, boosting local industry and employment.

Highlighting key developmental initiatives, the Chief Minister announced that Rs 200 crore has been sanctioned for the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project, a flagship scheme to transform the riverbanks into vibrant cultural and recreational spaces. He added that efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for Bali Jatra and that developmental work has already started at Barabati Fort, Gadakhai, Dhabaleshwar Peeth, and Nandikishore Peeth along the Mahanadi Patha.

Majhi emphasized that Bali Jatra is more than a trade fair,it is a symbol of Odisha’s rich maritime traditions, cultural identity, and religious sentiments. He reiterated the state government’s dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development as well as Heritage), highlighting the balance between cultural preservation and economic growth.

Focusing on Odisha’s 575-km-long coastline, the Chief Minister outlined the government’s vision for a port-based economy, revealing plans to develop 14 new ports in addition to Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur. Ongoing port projects include Subarnarekha, Astaranga, and Jatadhara Muhan, while Rs 21,500 crore has been allocated for the Bahuda Port, which will become the state’s second-largest after Paradip. A Rs 24,700 crore shipbuilding and repair centre near the Mahanadi estuary in Paradip is also in the pipeline, aimed at positioning Odisha as the gateway to eastern India’s maritime trade.

Addressing the citizens, CM Majhi lauded Cuttack as the “City of Brotherhood” and urged residents to uphold peace and harmony, especially in the wake of recent disturbances during Durga Puja festivities.

The inauguration ceremony also featured several cultural highlights. The Chief Minister released the Bali Jatra souvenir, felicitated Indonesian Ambassador Ina H Krishnamurthy with a miniature silver filigree Boita, and honoured students of Badamba Mohan Subudhi Mahavidyalaya with a Rs 1 lakh cash prize and trophy for their play “Kala Nandini.” Books were also distributed among children to encourage interest in Odia language and literature.

This year’s Bali Jatra has expanded to a massive 60 acres, up from 38 acres last year, and features 2,500 stalls offering handicrafts, textiles, food courts, and regional specialties. New attractions include an anamorphic 3D screen, experience zone, vintage car exhibition, electric dhol performances, a filigree art gallery, 5D theatre, and water sports on the Mahanadi River.

The Cuttack Bali Jatra 2025 stands as a magnificent blend of heritage, innovation, and celebration, reviving Odisha’s maritime pride while showcasing its progress as a hub of culture, trade, and tourism.