Odisha Tradition / Historic Kataka Bali Jatra-2026 to be Plastic-Free Green Festival

Bhubaneswar, Sep 5: A high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg was held at Lok Seva Bhawan to finalize preparations for the historic Cuttack Historic Kataka Bali Jatra-2026 2026.

The meeting emphasized organizing the festival in a more secure, well-managed, and attractive manner while highlighting Odisha’s maritime heritage on the global stage.

Chief Secretary Garg stressed the importance of making the event plastic-free, ensuring a “Green Historic Kataka Bali Jatra-2026” that balances tradition with sustainability.

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She also underlined efforts to showcase Odisha’s ancient trade legacy internationally, with Indonesia set to participate as a partner country this year. Plans include sending a high-level delegation to Bali under the initiative “Taking It to Bali” to revive memories of historic maritime ties.

Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde presented preparations already underway. He noted that last year’s Historic Kataka Bali Jatra-2026 drew nearly 6.5 million visitors, with a single-day peak of 1.2 million.

The fair generated business worth over ₹400 crore, including ₹57 crore through ORMAS stalls, with 1,420 stalls booked and traders from 24 states participating. This year, Indonesia’s cultural troupe will also perform, adding international flavor.

Key decisions included holding the festival across both upper and lower grounds, designating half of Chahata Road as a parking zone, and providing additional bus services for visitors.

Traffic and crowd management will be prioritized, with separate vending zones and 500 ORMAS stalls to promote local artisans. Handloom and handicraft stalls will be placed prominently to attract buyers.

Cultural programmes will be streamlined with two stages instead of three, while the Tourism Department will organize attractions on the Mahanadi riverfront.

The administration also resolved to ensure strict security, environmental safeguards, and smooth coordination among departments. Additional Odisha Administrative Service officers, engineers, and security personnel will be deployed.

Chief Secretary Garg called upon all departments to work in close coordination to make Historic Kataka Bali Jatra-2026 2026 a grand success, reflecting Odisha’s cultural pride and maritime legacy.