The historic Bali Jatra festival, marking Odisha’s ancient maritime heritage, was celebrated for the first time in the UK on November 30 at Townley Grammar School in Bexley. Organized by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom (OSUK), the event attracted over 500 attendees, including prominent dignitaries and cultural icons from both the UK and India.
The festival began with the Boita Bandana ceremony, where miniature illuminated boats were launched to honor Odisha’s historical maritime trade with Southeast Asia. The celebrations were officially inaugurated by Dr. Bhargava Vasudevan, Deputy Lieutenant of Gravesham, and Manoj Panda from the Indian High Commission, underscoring the significance of this cultural milestone for the Odia diaspora.
Sweta Mohanty, OSUK spokesperson, highlighted Odisha’s maritime history, linking it to India’s current efforts to revive its maritime prominence. The festival featured traditional Odia music and dance performances, including a memorable Mangala Charana dance by Odissi maestro Aviroop Sengupta and his student Adwiti Tripathy Pattnayak.
The event also saw participation from Ollywood stars Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu, who added glamour to the celebration with a cultural parade and folk dance performances. Bollywood singer Asit Tripathy delighted the audience with a mix of Bollywood and Sambalpuri songs, while performances also raised awareness about mental health.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, OSUK’s organizing secretary, expressed pride in the success of the event, emphasizing its role in uniting the Odia community. The festival also raised funds for noble causes, including cancer support initiatives in Odisha. Alongside the performances, attendees enjoyed authentic Odia cuisine and explored exhibits on Odisha’s crafts and maritime history.
Bali Jatra UK 2024 was a great success, celebrating Odisha’s vibrant culture and maritime legacy, and strengthening ties between Odisha and the UK.
