Every year, as the holy month of Kartika ends, the state of Odisha comes alive with one of India’s most unique and vibrant festivals — Bali Yatra. Literally meaning “A Voyage to Bali,” this spectacular celebration in Cuttack honors Odisha’s glorious past as a maritime power and its deep cultural connections with Southeast Asia.
What is Bali Yatra?
Bali Yatra (also known as Boita Bandana Utsav) is one of the biggest open-air fairs in Asia, celebrated on the full-moon day of Kartika Purnima — usually in October or November. The festival commemorates the ancient Odia mariners, known as Sadhabas, who once set sail from the coasts of Kalinga (ancient Odisha) to faraway islands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, and Borneo (modern Indonesia) for trade and cultural exchange.
At dawn on Kartika Purnima, people across Odisha float small boats made of banana bark, paper, or cork on rivers and ponds, singing the centuries-old chant:
“Aa Ka Ma Boi, Pana Gua Thoi…”
(A reminder of the months when the Sadhabas began their voyages.)
This ritual, known as Boita Bandana, is both a spiritual offering and a heartfelt tribute to Odisha’s maritime ancestors.
Where is Bali Yatra Celebrated?
The heart of Bali Yatra 2025 beats on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack, Odisha’s cultural capital. The venue, near Gadagadia Ghat and Barabati Fort, transforms into a dazzling fairground that attracts millions of visitors every year. It’s not just a local event — it’s a global celebration of heritage, culture, and trade.
Highlights of Bali Yatra Fair 2025
- Over 1,000 stalls showcasing Odisha’s art, crafts, and handloom products
- Cultural performances featuring folk dances, Odissi music, and traditional drama
- Food courts serving famous Odia delicacies like Dahibara Aloodum, Thunka Puri, Rasabali, and Chhena Poda
- Exhibitions and heritage walks narrating Odisha’s maritime history
- Modern attractions like laser shows, amusement rides, and open-air concerts
The fair beautifully blends tradition and modernity, drawing not just locals but also travelers, historians, and photographers from all over the world.
History and Origin of Bali Yatra
The roots of Bali Yatra go back more than 1,500 years, to the golden age of the Kalinga Empire. Ancient records and temple carvings show that Odia merchants — known as Sadhabas — sailed on large wooden ships called Boitas to Southeast Asia, carrying textiles, spices, and precious stones, and returning with gold, silver, and exotic goods.
These voyages helped spread Indian art, architecture, and culture, giving rise to shared traditions visible even today in Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Scholars believe that Bali Yatra began as a way to honor these maritime heroes, their courage, and the divine forces that guided them through the oceans. The festival, therefore, symbolizes Odisha’s seafaring past, economic prosperity, and spiritual devotion.
Spiritual Significance of Kartika Purnima
The festival coincides with Kartika Purnima, a sacred day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees take holy dips in rivers and offer lamps to the water, believing it brings blessings and spiritual purification.
Thus, Bali Yatra connects faith and history — celebrating both religious devotion and the adventurous maritime spirit of ancient Odisha.
Modern Relevance and Tourism
In recent years, Odisha Tourism and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation have transformed Bali Yatra into a global tourism event. The fair promotes local entrepreneurship, handicrafts, and heritage preservation, contributing significantly to Odisha’s economy.
Visitors can experience traditional Pattachitra paintings, silver filigree jewelry of Cuttack, Applique work of Pipili, and stone carvings of Puri and Khurda — all in one place. It’s a perfect destination for travelers seeking to explore Odisha’s art, culture, and cuisine.
The Message of Bali Yatra
Beyond the fairs and festivities, Bali Yatra carries a timeless message — the celebration of human courage, exploration, and connection. It reminds the world that long before modern globalization, Odisha was already a maritime bridge linking India to the civilizations of the East.
As miniature boats float across the waters of the Mahanadi, the chant “Aa Ka Ma Boi” echoes once again — a poetic reminder that Odisha’s waves still carry stories of trade, faith, and friendship.
Why You Should Visit Bali Yatra 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Odisha, Bali Yatra in Cuttack should be at the top of your list. It offers:
- A deep dive into Odisha’s maritime history
- A vibrant experience of local art, food, and music
- A chance to witness one of India’s largest cultural fairs
- The perfect blend of heritage and celebration
So, this Kartika Purnima (November 2025), visit Cuttack and witness Bali Yatra — where the past sails proudly into the present.