Bali Yatra 2025: Odisha Gears Up for 70-Lakh Footfall at Cuttack’s Maritime Spectacle
Cuttack — The historic Bali Yatra festival, celebrating Odisha’s ancient maritime legacy, is set to return from November 5 to 12, 2025, with preparations underway to welcome an estimated 70 lakh visitors.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, officials emphasized crowd safety, infrastructure upgrades, and digital facilitation to ensure a seamless experience.
Key directives include widening entry roads, installing glow signboards, and launching a mobile app for real-time updates on stalls and amenities.
An integrated control room will coordinate operations across departments, while NDRF and ODRAF teams will be deployed for emergency response.
CRUT will offer free shuttle services from Trisulia to Jobra, easing access to the fairground.
The festival will feature a mechanised boat display on the Mahanadi riverbank, temporary jetties, and beautification of the Silver City Boat Club.
Over 1,670 stalls will be allocated to local businesses, with ORMAS hosting a national-level Pallishree Mela comprising 500 stalls.
Cultural programs will showcase Bollywood, Ollywood, and international performances, while the “Cuttack in Cuttack” pavilion will highlight Odia language and literature.
Last year’s event generated Rs 200 crore in business, and officials expect to surpass that figure this year.
Discussions also touched on long-term plans for developing the Mahanadi River Front, reinforcing Cuttack’s role as a cultural and commercial hub.
