Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Yet again people of Cuttack are disappointed as the historic Baliyatra will not be organised this year in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic situation as informed by Cuttack Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani.
According to the reports, Cuttack Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani stated that as the Covid-19 safety guidelines mandate no public congregation beyond seven persons, Baliyatra cannot be organised as the seven-day long festival attracts lakhs of people every year.
Further, the district administration will take a formal decision on Baliyatra and Boita Bandana Utsav and communicate it officially after receiving the Covid-19 guidelines for the month of November. Regarding the Boita Bandana Cuttack Collector stated that everyone can observe their poojas and festivals as per the Covid-19 guidelines in force currently but the authorities will not permit any kind of congregation of people.
Baliyatra is being observed for over 1,000 years in Odisha simultaneously with Boita Bandana Utsav on the full moon day in the holy month of Kartik to commemorate the day when Sadhabas (mariners) would set sail to the distant island of Bali, for trade and cultural expansion. Like Baliyatra, the Bada Osha festival at Dhabaleswar temple will also not be organised this year due to restrictions.
He further added that the district administration cannot allow the celebration of any festival where there are chances of the congregation of a large number of people. Under such circumstances, it is not possible to hold the Bada Osha festival at Dhabaleswar temple this year.
