Bali Jatra, literally meaning "Voyage to Bali," is an annual festival celebrated in Cuttack, Odisha. This vibrant festival commemorates the ancient maritime tradition of Odisha, where sailors, known as Sadhabas, embarked on journeys to distant lands, including Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka, for trade and cultural exchange. The festival occurs on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar), marking the traditional start of these ancient voyages.
During Bali Jatra, the banks of the Mahanadi River transform into a festive hub. Locals gather to float small boats made from banana stems and paper, known as Boita, in the river. This act symbolizes a reenactment of the ancient voyages. The festival also features a large fair, showcasing various stalls selling local crafts, traditional foods, and cultural performances. This makes it a significant event for cultural preservation and community gathering.
Bali Jatra not only celebrates the maritime history of Odisha but also strengthens communal ties and fosters pride in the region’s rich historical legacy. It serves as a reminder of the adventurous spirit of the Odia people and their contributions to maritime trade in ancient times.
As part of the redevelopment of the Cuttack Railway Station, the East Coast Railway has decided to prominently feature Bali Jatra in the station’s architecture and design. The main station building will capture the essence of Bali Jatra, with designs inspired by traditional boats and the river. Additionally, local tribal paintings that reflect the region's traditional art forms will adorn the walls of the station, particularly in the waiting areas. This integration aims to showcase and promote the cultural heritage of Cuttack to travelers, making the railway station a gateway to the city’s historical and cultural richness.
The redevelopment project is part of a broader initiative under the Indian Railways’ Amrit Station Scheme, which seeks to modernize railway stations while preserving and promoting the cultural identities of the cities they serve. The new three-storey station building will feature world-class amenities, including separate arrival and departure concourses, a large food court, and a modern retiring room, all designed to provide a seamless and enriched travel experience for passengers.
Q1. What does Bali Jatra celebrate?
Answer: Bali Jatra celebrates the maritime heritage of Odisha, specifically the ancient voyages undertaken by sailors known as Sadhabas for trade and cultural exchange.
Q2. When is Bali Jatra celebrated?
Answer: Bali Jatra is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing the start of ancient maritime journeys.
Q3. How is Bali Jatra celebrated in Cuttack?
Answer: The festival is marked by floating small boats in the Mahanadi River, a large fair with stalls selling crafts and food, and various cultural performances.
Q4. What is the significance of Bali Jatra for the community?
Answer: Bali Jatra strengthens communal ties, fosters pride in Odisha's maritime history, and serves as a reminder of the Odia people's adventurous spirit.
Q5. How is Bali Jatra integrated into the redevelopment of Cuttack Railway Station?
Answer: The redevelopment features architectural designs inspired by Bali Jatra and local tribal art, promoting Cuttack's cultural heritage to visitors.
Question 1: What is the main purpose of Bali Jatra?
A) To celebrate agricultural harvest
B) To commemorate maritime traditions
C) To honor local deities
D) To promote local cuisine
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: On which date is Bali Jatra celebrated?
A) Diwali
B) Holi
C) Kartik Purnima
D) Makar Sankranti
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which river is central to the celebrations of Bali Jatra?
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Mahanadi
D) Godavari
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What do locals float during Bali Jatra?
A) Paper lanterns
B) Small boats made of banana stems
C) Fruits and vegetables
D) Flowers
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What type of art is featured in the redevelopment of Cuttack Railway Station?
A) Modern art
B) Abstract art
C) Local tribal paintings
D) European classic art
Correct Answer: C
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