Asia’s largest open-air trade fair, Bali Jatra, starts today to celebrate Odisha’s ancient sea-trading history. This year’s fair opens on the full moon day of Kartika and will run until 22nd November. Bali Jatra, meaning “Journey to Bali,” honours Odisha’s old tradition of traders sailing to distant lands in boats called Boitas from the Mahanadi River during Kartika Purnima. While the fair has changed, the excitement and spirit remain the same. The festival stirs up warm memories of Odisha’s rich heritage and amazes visitors. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will officially open the festival this afternoon. Each evening, cultural groups from Odisha and other states will perform dances like Odissi, Chhau, Bihu, Mahari, Gotipua, Sambalpuri, and Santali folk. Around 2,500 stalls will showcase crafts, household items, and foods for visitors. Police have made thorough security plans for the crowd expected at the fairgrounds