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Odisha’s Bali Jatra to debut in British Parliament
The centuries-old maritime festival will be inaugurated at the House of Lords on Nov. 14, followed by a trade fair and cultural gala in Croydon.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 01, Oct 2025
- 16:28 EDT
- 18
Bali Jatra festival in cuttack / Wikipedia
This November, the historic Odisha maritime festival Bali Jatra will make its debut at the British Parliament.
The inaugural ceremony will take place at the House of Lords on Nov. 14 under the theme “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures,” followed by an international trade fair and cultural gala in Croydon on Nov. 15
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Bali Jatra, celebrated annually in Cuttack, commemorates Odisha’s maritime tradition dating back to 400 BCE, when Sadhabas—mariner traders—sailed Boita ships to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand, fostering trade and cultural diplomacy across the Indian Ocean.
The upcoming event in London aims to highlight this legacy while linking it to contemporary global conversations on sustainability, heritage, and South-South cooperation. The initiative is spearheaded by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom CIC (OSUK CIC), with support from Xpertnest, led by British-Odia entrepreneur and philanthropist Arun Kar.
“This landmark event in the British Parliament ensures Odisha’s maritime legacy and cultural pride take their place on the world stage,” said Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayakrganising secretary, OSUK (CIC).
Spokesperson Sweta Mohanty underlined the global dimension of the initiative.“By launching Bali Jatra UK 2025 in London, we hope to create not just a celebration, but a vital forum for dialogue on ancient trade, civilisational heritage, and their relevance in contemporary times,” she said.
The organizers emphasized that Bali Jatra has already been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, while the Government of Odisha is actively pursuing UNESCO recognition.
They noted that this international debut strengthens that effort by showcasing Odisha’s cultural wealth on a global stage.
The two-day programme will feature keynote addresses by invited Heads of State from India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Nigeria. The House of Lords session will host high-level panel discussions on maritime history and sustainable futures, along with awards recognising contributions to heritage and sustainability.
The Croydon event will include international business pavilions, cultural exhibitions, Odia cuisine, and performances highlighting Odisha’s traditions.
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