Odisha’s flagship maritime festival, Bali Jatra, is setting a monumental example in sustainability this year by launching a staggering 25,000 eco-friendly boitas (boats) onto the Mahanadi River. This remarkable green initiative seamlessly blends the state’s ancient seafaring heritage with a firm commitment to environmental conservation.
Held annually on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack, the festival commemorates the historic voyages of the ancient Odia mariners, the Sadhabas, who sailed to distant lands like Bali, Java, and Sumatra. This year, the ritual of Boita Bandana—the floating of miniature boats—will be conducted entirely with biodegradable materials, leaving no ecological footprint.
The 25,000 ceremonial boats are intricately handcrafted from sal leaves by tribal women artisans primarily from the Mayurbhanj district. This project not only ensures an environmentally sound celebration but also provides a significant boost to local self-help groups and forest-based livelihood programmes.
“Each boat symbolizes not just Odisha’s ancient trade connections but also its growing commitment to sustainability,” remarked a festival organizer. “This initiative gives a powerful platform to our tribal women artisans to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship while leading the charge for a cleaner, greener festival.”
The large-scale release of these biodegradable boats is a powerful gesture, transforming a cultural tradition into a statement of environmental awareness. The festival is a celebration of Odisha’s spirit of harmony—where culture, community, and conservation are united.
The Bali Jatra, which is one of Asia’s largest open-air trade fairs, continues to expand in scale and attractions, but its focus this year on zero-waste and eco-friendly practices highlights a new chapter for the historic event.
The floating of 25,000 sal leaf boitas will stand as a magnificent tribute to the Sadhabas, reminding visitors that a prosperous future must be a sustainable one.
