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About Bali Jatra

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About Bali Jatra

Bali Jatra, the voyage to Bali, remembers the sailors and traders of ancient Kalinga, the sadhabas. Long ago they sailed from the coast of Odisha to Bali, Java, Sumatra and other islands across the sea, trading spices, cloth and ideas.

The festival begins at dawn on Kartik Purnima, in October or November. Across Odisha, families go to rivers, ponds and the sea and float tiny boats, boitas, made of banana stem bark, paper or cork, with a lamp, betel leaf and flowers inside. This is Boita Bandana, and people sing "Aa ka ma bai" to remember the sailors who once left on this day.

In Cuttack, a huge fair opens on the sands of the Mahanadi near Gadagadia Ghat and runs for about a week. It is one of the biggest open-air fairs in Asia, with crafts, silver filigree, toys, rides, music and long lines of food stalls selling thunka puri, dahibara aloodum, gupchup and chaat.

The day is a proud memory of Odisha's sea trade and its old friendship with the islands of Southeast Asia. In Bali, a similar festival called Masakapan Ke Tukad is kept by floating little boats too.

How people celebrate Bali Jatra

  • Floating paper and banana-bark boats at dawn
  • Singing "Aa ka ma bai"
  • The great fair on the Mahanadi sands in Cuttack
  • Thunka puri, dahibara and gupchup at the stalls
  • Silver filigree and crafts
  • Rides and music by the river

How to wish well

  • Wish on Kartik Purnima morning, before or after the boats are floated.
  • Sea voyages, little boats, lamps on water and the Cuttack fair are good themes.
  • "Aa ka ma bai" is a happy line to add for Odia friends.

Questions about Bali Jatra

When is Bali Jatra 2026?

Bali Jatra begins on Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026, and the fair in Cuttack runs for about a week after it.

Why is Bali Jatra celebrated?

It remembers the ancient sailors of Kalinga who sailed to Bali, Java and other islands on this day to trade.

What is Boita Bandana?

The dawn ritual of Kartik Purnima, when people float small boats with lamps on rivers, ponds and the sea in memory of the old voyages.

What does "Aa ka ma bai" mean?

It is the start of an old Odia rhyme sung while floating the boats. It calls out to the sailors of the past and wishes them a safe voyage.

Where is the Bali Jatra fair held?

On the banks of the Mahanadi near Gadagadia Ghat in Cuttack. Smaller boat festivals are held all over Odisha.

What do you say on Bali Jatra?

Say "Happy Bali Jatra" or, in Odia, "ବାଲିଯାତ୍ରାର ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା".

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