Why is it in the news?

• Odisha’s Bali Jatra was inaugurated on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack.

About Bali Jatra

• Considered as one of Asia’s largest open trade fairs.
• Held in Cuttack at Gadagadia Ghata of the Mahanadi River.
• Marks the day when ancient Sadhabas (Odia mariners) set sail to distant lands for trade.
• Begins on Kartik Purnima (full moon night in the month of Kartik).
• During the fair, people sail decorative miniature boats to celebrate boita bandana, the worship of boats.

Significance

• Originates more than 1,000 years ago when maritime and cultural links existed between ancient Kalinga (present-day Odisha) and Bali and other South and Southeast Asian regions.
• Bay of Bengal region had several ports, and traders began their voyages on this auspicious day.
• Decline started with the advent of Arab traders in the Bay of Bengal and later European traders.
• Further, lack of patronage from rulers led to the complete decline of maritime trade in Odisha.
• Ancient trade relations shaped India’s ‘Look East’ foreign policy, later replaced by ‘Act East Policy.’