About Baliyatra




Bālijātrā is the Famous Kartik Purnima Festival . Popularly known as Boita Bandhana in Odia (Orissa's Language) which literally means "journey to Bali". The Baliyatra festival is held in Orissa,in the city of Cuttack at "Gadagadia ghata" of the Mahanadi river, to mark the day when ancient Sadhabas (Oriya mariners) would set sail to distant lands of Bali, as well as Java, Sumatra, Borneo (all in Indonesia), and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural expansion. They sailed in large vessels called Boitas.

The Baliyatra festival marks its beginning at the end of the Kartik Purnima in October and November, and goes on for a period of seven days right from the full moon. This is the specific time that was considered auspicious by the Sadhabas to begin their voyage in vessels called Boitas.The scientific cause of starting voyage on "kartika purnima" is to take profit of the wind blown this time. "Ajhala" or big fabrics were used to carry "boita" or vessels by wind.

The Festival is celebrated for the next 7-10 days at the ground of Gadagadia Ghata with local traders. Baliyatra Trade fare is visited by more than 2 Lakh People from all over Orissa and India to get the best purchase. There is a word of mouth , that at Baliyatra one can get most of the things for daily use and with great bargain Price. 

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