Bali Yatra, the state's largest trade fair with a touch of history, kicked off on Friday on the banks of Mahanadi in Cuttack.

The fair is aptly named Yatra as it recalls the state's great maritime tradition, harking back to days when traders from ancient Kalinga used to set sail to islands like Bali, Java, Sumatra and Borneo off Indonesia and Malaysia.

The trade links also led to cultural and other exchanges between Kalinga and these countries. It also showcases the monumental Buddhist tradition prevalent in Odisha vis-à-vis Asian heritage.

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the seven-day-long Bali Yatra on Friday evening. Ambassadors and high commissioners of 14 countries, including Srilanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos PDR, Bhutan, Singapore, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nauru, Solomon Island, New Zealand, Fiji, Timor Leste and Brunei, attended the inaugural ceremony.

The seven-day fair is likely to attract huge footfall not only from different parts of the state but also from other parts of the world. On the opening day, there was a huge rush. The chief minister came to the spot riding a boat.

In the morning, people gathered at different water bodies like ponds, rivers and the sea to join the Boita Bandana traditions on Kartika Purnima by sailing miniature boats to commemorate Odisha’s glorious maritime traditions.

This year’s Bali Yatra showcases the picturesque South East Asia Pavilion to commemorate the longstanding trade relationship. The pavilion’s entrance is designed as the famous Jiranga Monastery Gate while the exit bears the replica of the Indonesian Gate in remembrance of the monumental Buddhist tradition prevalent in Odisha.

The 2,500 stalls are attracting millions of visitors this year out of which ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society) has placed 500 stalls where women SHG-led products will be demonstrated.