On Wednesday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Chara Majhi announced an extension of the Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack. Originally set to conclude on November 12, the annual trade fair, which commenced on November 5 in celebration of Kartik Purnima, will now continue until November 13.

An official statement indicated that the decision to prolong the festival was made considering the public's enthusiasm and the business activities of the traders participating in the fair.

This festival is celebrated annually along the banks of the Mahanadi River to commemorate the time when ancient sailors from the state embarked on journeys to Indonesia, visiting Bali, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Sri Lanka to promote trade and culture.