Thursday, November 14, 2013

Balijatra - The festival for traders

Balijatra festival celebrated in many places of odisha, Paradip and cuttack is the best place to see it. Cuttack balijatra celebrated on the bank of the river, it is close to the famous Barabati stadium. People from all around Indian travel here to see it. The function mostly inaugurated by chief minister of odisha.
Balijatra starts on kartika purnima and goes long for a week or more according the plan made by administration. Before starting the stores here, many trader need to contact the organizer to book a stall for them. This festival is a mark where ancient Sadhav or businessman started their journey to foreign lands like java or Sumatra to sell products of odisha. In exchange they bring back gold, money with name and fame of odisha.
On kartika purnima people from all places in odisha sail a toy boat by decorating it with flower and kept a deepa. They sail it where ever they found water like ponds, canals or rivers. Small children enjoy it with other family members by singing a song "aa ka ma bai, pana gua khai....to remember our odia culture and tradition.

Cuttack balijatra


This is also known as boita bandana utsav from ancient time. In odisha history it was mentioned as sadhava or business mans start their journey, after they their beautiful wives in saree and jewellery complete the "bandana" for the well being of their husbands and business. In odia you must heard of a story called "Tapoi" in which wives of sadhavs make the life hell of the only sister of sadhavs.The boat of sadhav start its journey with the help of winds direction which is favorable during this period, which takes them to java and Sumatra.
To remember the tradition now women sail boat and wish happiness for all by wearing traditional sarees which they buy from local shops or online stores available in India. They purchase saree, dress materials, ikat saree, sambalpuri saree, salwar kameez for young girls and many more for others in family.
Balijatra ground looks like a sea of heads in the evening during the festival. Each year number of trader increasing and increasing. The jatra spread around 3 to 5 square kilo meter. We heard that you can find what ever you want to purchase or sell.

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