London/Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic maritime festival, Bali Jatra, is set to make history this November as it is celebrated for the first time at the British Parliament. The event will open at the House of Lords on November 14 with the theme “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures”, followed by a cultural gala and international trade fair in Croydon on 15 November.

Tracing its roots back to 400 BCE, Bali Jatra commemorates the voyages of the Sadhabas, the seafaring traders of ancient Kalinga, who sailed in Boita ships to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand, forging trade and cultural exchanges across Asia. Today, the festival in Cuttack stands as one of Asia’s largest open-air fairs, keeping alive Odisha’s maritime legacy.

“This landmark event ensures Odisha’s cultural pr

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