Cuttack Historic Baliyatra and Memories
The Bali Yatra is celebrated to commemorate the voyage by Odia traders to far off islands like Bali, Sumatra in modern-day Indonesia and Sri Lanka, since the era before Christ till around the fifteen century AD. The day also marked Kartik Purnima when people floated boats in different water bodies of the state.
Bali yatra was held over 37 acres, of which 23 acres were on the Mahanadi river bed and 14 on Kila Maidan near the Barabati fort. The fair started from the full moon day of Kartik Masa/Month and is organized every year as a reminder of Odisha’s rich maritime past. The fair visited by lakhs of people will continue for seven days.
The Magic of Art in Bali yatra :
This Baliyatra brought to you the special Art Exhibition by different renowned artists. The Exhibition has Paintings of famous artists of the state. Not only Painting you will find other kinds of arts like Paper arts,Live sketch and many other forms of creativity.
The Pride of Odisha “The Sand Sculpture” at Baliyatra :
Sand Sculptures as is popularly known is an art of modeling sand into artistic forms, thus giving them interesting shapes and innovative designs. Such type of art includes sand brushing, sand painting, sand bottling, etc. Mostly depicted in the sand that has fine granules, these types of sculptures are basically found in sea-shores of coastal regions. In India, they are mostly found in sea-shores of Odisha, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Lakshadeep, Andaman and Nicober Islands, etc.
Sculptures of various shapes and designs make modern sea-shores bloom with wonder and excitement. While on tour to sea-shore or beaches of Odisha/Orissa in particular, one can frequently find exotic sculptures of sandcastles, figures of famous personalities or historical monuments. However, in spite of the modern-day advancements in science and technology, one can even figure out meaningful sculptures at sea beaches depicting serious issues of life like Anti-terrorist movements, Save girl child issues, Aids alertness program, Save power alertness, Unity in diversity, etc.
Like every year, this year also Sand sculpture is one of the modes of attraction of the visitors to the fair. This year also Sand artist Mr.Pramod Patnaik, the elder brother of internationally acclaimed sand artist Mr.Sudarshan Patnaik, has built the sculpture that showcases The Jagannath Temple of Puri inside the Boat /Boita. The sculpture seems realistic and colorful with beautiful lights at night.
Lord Karthik Puja in The Silver city of Odisha :
Unlike Durga Puja Puja and Kali Puja, Karthik Puja is also celebrated in a grand way by Katkis. The Festive starts from Bada Osha & Ends with the end of Bali Yatra. The idols of Lord Karthik, Son of Lord Shiva is being worshiped in different Sahi (colonies) of the city with cultural programs at night. As similar to other festivals the city again dazzles with colorful lights and beautiful Gates. Starting from Karthik Purnima, one by one Sahi prepares for the immersion of the idols in Gadgadia Ghat or the venue of Baliyatra (The river Bed of Mahanadi).
Also Read: Cuttack Ready for Historic Bali yatra
