President Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate Bali Jatra 2026 in Kataka; Preparations Underway
Odisha: Droupadi Murmu is set to inaugurate the historic Kataka Bali Jatra 2026 on November 24 at the Bali Jatra Ground in Cuttack, marking a significant moment for one of Odisha’s largest cultural festivals.
The President’s Office has formally accepted the invitation extended by the organisers.
The eight-day festival will be held from November 24 to December 1, bringing together visitors, traders, artisans, and cultural performers from across the state and beyond.
Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, and Governor Braj Mohan Ram are also expected to attend the inaugural ceremony.
Authorities have begun extensive preparations for the mega event, with special emphasis on security arrangements, traffic management, sanitation, lighting, and city beautification ahead of the President’s visit.
This year’s Bali Jatra will feature more than 500 commercial and exhibition plots, while ORMAS is expected to establish around 500 stalls showcasing Odisha’s traditional handlooms, handicrafts, and rural products.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be its focus on sustainability, with organisers planning a plastic-free fair.
Visitors will also be able to explore a digital information wall narrating the rich maritime heritage of ancient Kalinga and its historic trade links with Bali and Southeast Asia.
The popular “Cuttack in Cuttack” pavilion will return this year, with organisers inviting public suggestions to shape its final theme.
A proposal seeking a ₹10 crore grant from the Odisha government has also been placed to support the event’s development and infrastructure.
Recognised as a celebration of Odisha’s maritime legacy, Bali Jatra commemorates the voyages of ancient Kalinga sailors who sailed to Southeast Asia for trade and cultural exchange.
Every year, the festival attracts lakhs of visitors and serves as a major platform for commerce, culture, tourism, and community engagement.
With the President’s participation and a host of new initiatives, Bali Jatra 2026 is expected to be one of the most significant editions of the festival in recent years.
