(Aditi Panda)
Bali Yatra is a famous annual worldwide fair held at Cuttack on the banks of Mahanadi River. Known for its historic backdrop as well as cultural connect and above all it is a compulsory visit for all the shopaholics. During Bali Yatra, scores of big and small traders from all parts of the country participate in this colossal fair that is held at Gadagadia Ghata, on the auspicious day of Kartika Purnima.
Bali Yatra is celebrated to mark the day when ancient Oriya mariners started to sail to distant lands of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and other parts of Indonesia as well as Sri Lanka for trade and cultural expansion. They sailed in large boats called boitas and so the local folk sail small diyas or boitas in colourful boats and flag off Bali Yatra every year.
The fair holds a variety of attractions like food stalls, an assortment of Odisha’s best handlooms, handicrafts, silver knick-knacks and a plethora of other products. Artisans and traders from all the thirty districts of Odisha exhibit their products here anticipating volume sales.
India has a huge populace that do not have the necessary funds to invest in a shop, promote their merchandise or search for a bigger clientele but Bali Yatra gives them an opportunity to take home some profit with less investment.
“Every year, Bali Yatra is visited by countless people from around the globe. If we sell our things in a shop we have limited access but at Bali yatra our wares are sold in a bulk and we get customers from all around the country and also abroad. There are charges for Kiosk allotment and other expenses but the investment is less in comparison to the profits we earn here” says Sagar Bhuyian who has a kiosk selling doormats and other jute products.
The Traders have to pay a fixed rental charge of land allotment or kiosk to the government and sometimes the price of their stuff depends on the expenses to earn a profit. “We always decide on our price after getting a space. There is competition but everyone wants to earn profit. Since we know that Bali Yatra is our main opportunity, we invest and also produce bulk all the year round as we know what the people like” says Ranjit Sah, a handicrafts trader.
“There are almost 1400 kiosks in Bali Yatra and majority are small traders. We always look forward to Bali yatra as we are able to do a business over Rs 4-5 lacs within seven days. The expense is on the higher side as my whole family stays here for all 7 days. This year we also sold balloons and pickles which were appreciated”, says a happy Anjana Mangual.
Apart from other advantages like seven days of chilling out and a break from the monotonous schedule, Bali Yatra is one of the most awaited event for these small traders who get a chance to earn for the entire year.
(Aditi is a freelance writer and pursues interest in the area of social issues)
It is indeed a very big fair. But I didn’t know the history behind it. Very informative article.
Thankuuuu dear
Agree with this because actually now when u think you realise it is true.
On whatsup from ranjit prabhu, dehradun
Baliyatra…an open air event celebrated on the banks of river Mahanadi for more than a week…which ends up more as a festival than an event..showcases the traditional art and craft of the state…cultural programmes,odia delicacies(the thunkapuri,dahibara aloo dum) …joy rides are the major crowd pullers. A must visit for every Odia.
True.and why only odia,any person who is in and around cuttack.a good experience
It is a big festival of Odisha, though all knows about the festival, but there are some people who unknow about the history behind it. Nice & informative article for all. I didn’t know the complete story. Thank you di such a lovely article.