Mahanadi Boat Race Adds Spark to Bali Yatra Festivities
Thousands throng Cuttack riverfront as cultural evenings captivate visitors
Cuttack: The iconic Bali Yatra on the banks of the Mahanadi witnessed another day of grandeur and festivity on Tuesday as the much-awaited ‘Mahanadi Boat Race’ was inaugurated amid huge public turnout. Organised by the Odisha Tourism Department near Gadagadia Ghat, the event paid tribute to the State’s glorious maritime legacy and the centuries-old Boita Bandana tradition of the Sadhabas — the ancient seafaring traders of Odisha.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Telkoi MLA Dr Fakir Mohan Nayak, Cuttack (Choudwar) MLA Souvic Biswal, Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh, and senior district and tourism officials. A total of 15 teams — including 10 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams from Odisha and other states — took part in the race, with Team Odisha clinching the top honours.
Later in the evening, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari joined the celebrations and spoke about the cultural significance of Bali Yatra, describing it as a symbol of Odisha’s maritime pride and people’s enduring connection with the Mahanadi. He also emphasised the need to promote the world-famous fair on a larger global platform.
The cultural extravaganza began at 4 PM with devotional bhajans by the Sri Guru Pradyumna Kishore Dev Charitable Trust, followed by a series of captivating performances by Upasana Cultural Trust, Bhubaneswar, and dynamic dance fusions by Singham Dance Studio 2.0 and Devil Dance Studio.
Adding variety and colour to the evening, the Reserve Bank of India’s comedy skit, the Manipuri fire dance, Rajasthan’s Kalbeliya dance, and Odisha’s Ras Nritya drew thunderous applause from the audience.
Post 8 PM, the crowd was treated to a power-packed musical session led by Dipti Rekha Padhi and Kumar Bapi, followed by an energetic performance by popular Ollywood actress Surjyamayee Mohapatra, which proved to be a major attraction.
At the Akshaya Mohanty Stage, soulful tributes to the legendary singer were presented through devotional and folk numbers. Standout acts included Nishiprava Pani’s Akshaya Mohanty Bhakti Geet, Ashok Behera’s Loudi Folk from Banki, Vivekananda Mohanty’s Devi Act from Puri’s Charu Nartan group, and Rozalin Sahu’s Draupadi Cheerharan dance. Traditional dance troupes from Kandhamal and Cuttack also won appreciation for their spirited performances.
As in previous years, this edition of Bali Yatra features a star-studded lineup of Ollywood and Bollywood singers and performers, organised by Sharad Advertising Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar.
With thousands pouring in daily, the festival ground has transformed into a hub of activity — from thrilling rides and water shows to vibrant food stalls and handicraft markets. Authorities have stepped up security measures to manage the surging crowd.
The grand commercial fair, billed as the largest of its kind in eastern India, will continue on the Mahanadi riverfront till November 12. Each evening, the Ganakabi Baishnaba Pani Stage hosts new cultural performances, earning wide praise for the event’s smooth organisation and festive spirit.