BHUBANESWAR: The historic Baliyatra in Cuttack, Odisha, will not be held this year, as it was last year, due to the Covid-19 situation, an official said on Tuesday. People can, however, celebrate the Boita Bandana Utsav in accordance with the State government's Covid-19 guidelines, he said.

"We will not be able to hold the annual Baliyatra this year due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19. Despite the fact that Covid-19 cases have been reported in the state, it has yet to be eradicated. As a result, the festival cannot be planned "Bhabani Shankar Chayani, a Cuttack collector, stated. Due to the large number of people who attend the seven-day Baliyatra, there is a risk of a Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, sources said, a decision was made.

Baliyatra, a seven-day festival, has been celebrated in the city for over 1,000 years on the full moon day in the holy month of Kartik, in conjunction with Boita Bandana Utsav. The festival serves as a reminder of Odisha's rich maritime heritage. On this day in the distant past, Odisha's Sadhaba traders sailed to Bali, Java, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Borneo, and other destinations. Due to an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, the festival was cancelled last year.

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