Bali Jatra

Bali Jatra is the World's oldest fair or Jatra. This festival is held in the banks of Mahanandi in the millennium city of Cuttack, Orissa. In the end of Oriya month Kartika on the full moon day called Kartika Purnima this Bali Jatra commences. It continues for 7 to 10 days.

Kartika Purnima
In the Month of Kartika traditionally Oriya's don't eat Non-Veg and they worship Lord Siva. On the full moon day early in morning they float boats made of banana stem (kadali manja) or colored paper with a lighted lamp/diya in it. Thousands of such boats are kept on the river banks and lakes. This scène can't be described but has to be seen by personally. This is also known as Boita Bandhan as sailors leave for business to other countries. After this Oriya's eat Non Veg and this day is called Chadkhayee. In some places Lord Karthika the second son of Lord Shiva's is also worshipped with his idol kept in pandals for week to fortnight & on the Kartika Purnima day the idol is immersed in rivers.

Ancient times this day used to commemorate the season for commerce. From Orissa business man used to move to Jawa, Sumitra, Celon (Sri Lanka) for their business. And a fair or Jatra used to held and since than Bali Jatra every year is held on the banks of River Mahanandi .

Food
Bali Jatra used to attract residents of Cuttack nearby villagers and other parts of Orissa for its food items. Mainly Tholla Puri and Chenna Curry combined with big size of raj bhog sweets served in banana leaves are the main attraction. People from far of place come to relish this dish. As the times changed , food and the taste of people have changed. Now apart from traditional food stuff young boys and girls enjoy Burgers, Chowmein, Ice Creams , and all other fast food is being sold.

Handicrafts
Local artisans come to sell their handicraft products and you get verity of items and a competitive price. Handicrafts made of Bamboo, earthen items, brass, and steel are sold. You also get wooden articles, wooden idols, and different wooden items. Varity of Drums and other leather goods are sold. Daily household items like brooms, doormats, utensils & baskets made locally & in villages get their turn to be sold here.

Modern Goods
Since Bali Jatra attracts huge crowds, most of the modern companies have started participating in the fair and putting their stalls and exhibiting their products. You get all kind of electronic, electrical and other commodities being exhibited and also sold.

Entertainment

One of the main attractions for the children is the games, mini zoos, giant wheel, motor-cycle stuns, roller coaster, magical shows and horse as well as camel rides.

Ornaments
Wide varieties of traditional as well as modern contemporary Ornaments (Artificial) are the main attraction for the women. Traditional as well as tribal ornaments and artifacts are sold.

With the increase of the vehicles & traffic the state Govt has made arrangements for parking & also single way routes to avoid stampede & over crowding of vehicles, averting accidents.

So Bali Jatra brings fun and excitement to commoners as well as business community. This is a unique festival where rich and poor intermingle and enjoy together. Every year with the advent of winter this is the first large scale festival which gives way to a number of other traditional as well as cultural festivals.