Odisha CM Seeks ‘National Maritime Heritage Festival’ Status for Bali Yatra

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought the status of a ‘National Maritime Heritage Festival’ for the famous Bali Yatra, which is an integral part of the cultural ethos of Odisha.

The Odisha CM wrote to Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel in this regard and said that according the status would be a befitting tribute to Odisha’s heritage and on inspiration for future.

“The Bali Yatra is an integral part of the cultural ethos of Odisha. It is deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of the Odia people. Bali Yatra is the signature festival of Cuttack, the Millennium City. Hence, I would suggest you to kindly consider the social cultural importance of “Bali Yatra” festival and accord it the status of a ‘National Maritime Heritage Festival’”, Naveen wrote.

“Bali Yatra (also known as Boitabandana) is an ancient festival held in the city of Cuttack in Odisha to commemorate the glorious tradition of Seafaring activities of Odia mariners (Sadhavas). It marks the days when ancient Sadhavas (Odia Sailors) would set sail to distant lands of Bali, as well as Java. Sumatra and Borneo for trade and cultural expansion. They sailed in large vessels called Boitas. This rich legacy is observed through the celebration of Bali Yatra. The festival begins in the month of November on the full-moon day of Kartika (Purnima) and continues for seven to ten days. It is celebrated annually as a large open fair and is considered to be one of the most celebrated festivals of Odisha”, the CM said.

“The maritime heritage and overseas trade related achievements of ancient India are evident in Indus Seals. On Eastern seaboard it was Odia Mariners (Sadhavas) who have been the torchbearers of the Indian maritime prowess since ancient times. The footprints of this enterprise are evident in the South Eastern regions particularly in Bali, Java and Sumatra. People of Indian origin in general are known as `Klings’ in the South Eastern countries and this could be indicating of the old association with Kalinga in terms of trade and cultural exchanges. The recalled public memories of this age old maritime trade-centric traditions have taken the form of “Bali Yatra” (The journey to Bali) an annual festival in Odisha”.

The tell-take markers of cultural interactions between eastern parts of India, particularly of ancient Kalinga can easily be observed in the customs and traditions of Bali, particularly in language, cuisine, dress, dance forms, rituals etc.

In that sense, the “Bali Yatra” of Cuttack and the identical cultural traits in Bali reminds us of this legacy.

“As India looks to the East to revive the aae-old contacts with South East Asia aiming at mutual economic arowth of India and the countries in that region, I would be appropriate and timely that Bali Yatra which celebrates the enterprising spirit of the ancient India is recognized at the National Level so that the daring initiatives of our seafaring ancestors are duly recollected and acknowledged”, Naveen further mentioned.