The Odia community in London recently celebrated Bali Yatra with a Maritime Heritage Summit at the UK Parliament. This two-day event honored Odisha’s cultural and maritime legacy, featuring discussions on the historical journeys of sailors and their modern significance. Dignitaries emphasized sustainable innovation and the importance of cultural awareness.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati addressed the Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack, calling it the “Mirror of Odisha’s Soul.” He urged the youth to embrace technology and innovation, reviving the spirit of ancient maritime traders. Kambhampati emphasized that the seas unite civilizations, celebrating both prosperity and ethics in Odia culture.
The Mahanadi River came alive as Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the Mahanadi Boita Race 2025, celebrating Odisha’s maritime heritage. This vibrant event honors the ancient Sadhabas, featuring a competitive boat race with 15 teams. Parida highlighted the race as a tribute to Odisha’s rich history and future.
The Odisha government is set to launch the inaugural ‘Mahanadi Boita Pratiyogita 2025,’ a boat racing event celebrating the state’s maritime heritage. Scheduled for November 11 near Gadagadia Ghata in Cuttack, it coincides with the Baliyatra festival, featuring teams from ten states and showcasing traditional and contemporary racing formats.
On Kartik Purnima, Odisha comes alive with vibrant festivities as devotees partake in the Boita Bandana ritual. Early morning sees crowds at rivers and ponds, launching banana bark boats adorned with lamps and incense. This celebration honors ancient maritime traditions, symbolizing community unity and the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
During the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding was signed to operationalize National Waterway–5 and National Waterway–64 in Odisha. This agreement aims to invest ₹12,200 crore in enhancing inland water transport, facilitating coal movement, reducing logistics costs, and supporting sustainable development in the region.
Odisha has been awarded the Best Stall Award at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, presented by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The stall, themed “Odisha – Voyage of Heritage and Hope,” showcased the state’s maritime history and modern advancements, highlighting its commitment to blending heritage with innovation for a sustainable maritime future.
Odisha showcased its rich maritime heritage at the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, featuring a stunning sand art installation by Padmashri Sudarsan Pattnaik. Commissioned by the Odisha government, the piece celebrated ancient trade connections and the significance of Kartik Purnima, highlighting the state’s cultural and historical legacy.
Berhampur University and the Indian Maritime University have formalized a partnership to enhance maritime research in Odisha through a signed MoU. This collaboration will facilitate academic exchanges, including student programs and joint certificate courses in areas like maritime informatics and artificial intelligence, fostering innovation in the maritime sector.
On Monday, Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the Odisha Pavilion at the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, emphasizing the state’s rich maritime heritage. He highlighted Odisha’s vision for enhancing maritime trade, drawing inspiration from ancient Odia mariners who excelled in navigation, while showcasing the state’s strategic location and progressive port policies.
At the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled a bold maritime strategy, signing MoUs worth ₹50,000 crore. This initiative aims to enhance ports, shipping, and marine resources, positioning Odisha as a maritime leader while promoting sustainable practices and economic growth through job creation.
During the upcoming India Maritime Week in Mumbai, the Odisha government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a cruise terminal in Puri. P L Haranadh, chairman of the Paradip Port Authority, noted that this initiative will expand to Paradip in the next two to three years, enhancing maritime development.
Odisha is set to spotlight its maritime and green energy initiatives at the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai, from October 27 to 31. Key highlights include the introduction of the Odisha Inland Vessel Rules, 2025, aimed at enhancing inland water transport and promoting maritime governance across the state.
Bhubaneswar’s Balijatra, Odisha’s historic maritime festival, will debut at the British Parliament on November 14, organized by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom. The event features a two-day program themed “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures,” celebrating Odia culture, music, and traditions while fostering international dialogue on heritage.
Odisha is poised to be the first among India’s nine coastal states to implement a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, bolstering its blue economy. Following successful launches in Puducherry and Lakshadweep, this initiative aims to optimize Odisha’s 575-km coastline for sustainable trade, tourism, and fisheries while promoting long-term economic growth.
