Bali Jatra (or Bali Yatra) literally means "journey to Bali". This festival is held in Orissa, particularly in the city of Cuttack, 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.
The festival is held during Kartik Purnima in October and November, for a period of five days right before the full moon. This is the specific time that was considered auspicious by the Sadhabas to begin their voyage in vessels called Boitas.
In Cuttack, Bali Jatra is celebrated annually as a large, open, fair near the Barabati fort area. There are several attractions for children, and food stalls selling Oriya delicacies, and other vendors selling toys, curiosities, and other gifts. Children float toy boats made of colored paper, dried banana tree barks, and cork in the Mahanadi river, ponds, and water tanks, to commemorate the voyage of their ancestors to Indonesia. These toy boats, that are usually launched after sunset with small oil lamps, lit and placed inside them, provide a very attractive sight during the festival.
This festival is also celebrated with great fanfare in Paradeep, Puri, and Bhubaneswar. Bali Jatra bears testimony to the rich maritime legacy of ancient Orissa. It is also known as Boita Bandana Utsav, or the "festival of boats".
