Our Bureau
London
In a historic first, the Bali Jatra festival, celebrating Odisha’s ancient maritime heritage, was held 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 dignitaries and cultural icons from both the UK and India.
The celebration commenced with the ceremonial Boita Bandana, where illuminated miniature boats were launched to honor Odisha’s maritime trade with Southeast Asia. Dr. Bhargava Vasudevan, Deputy Lieutenant of Gravesham, and Manoj Panda from the Indian High Commission inaugurated the festivities, marking a significant cultural milestone for the Odia diaspora.
Sweta Mohanty, OSUK spokesperson, emphasized the importance of Odisha’s maritime history in contemporary contexts, linking it to India’s current maritime resurgence efforts. The event showcased traditional Odia music and dance performances, with highlights including a captivating Mangala Charana dance by Odissi maestro Aviroop Sengupta and his student Adwiti Tripathy Pattnayak.
The presence of Ollywood stars Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu added glamour to the event as they participated in a cultural parade and performed folk dances. Bollywood singer Asit Tripathy entertained attendees with a blend of Bollywood and Sambalpuri songs, while performances also focused on mental health awareness.
OSUK’s organizing secretary, Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, expressed pride in the festival’s success, stating it embodies the spirit of unity among the Odia community. The event also served as a platform for raising funds for noble causes, including support for cancer initiatives in Odisha.
In addition to cultural performances, attendees enjoyed authentic Odia cuisine and explored exhibits showcasing Odisha’s crafts and maritime history. The festival aimed not only to celebrate heritage but also to strengthen cultural ties between Odisha and the UK.
Overall, Bali Jatra UK 2024 was a resounding success, highlighting Odisha’s vibrant culture and maritime legacy while fostering connections across communities.
