Bhubaneswar, Nov 16, 2025: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday lauded the efforts of the Odia community in the United Kingdom for organising a grand celebration of the iconic Bali Jatra festival at the historic House of Lords in London. The event, which highlighted Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, was held as part of the ‘Global South Maritime Heritage Summit 2025’, a collaborative initiative by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom and Xpertnest.

In a message shared with the attendees, Chief Minister Majhi congratulated the organisers for their dedication to promoting Odisha’s cultural legacy on an international platform. The CMO released a statement noting that Majhi’s message was played for the audience during the summit, where it was warmly received by delegates from around the world.

Bali Jatra, one of India’s oldest maritime festivals, commemorates the historic trade links Odisha had with Southeast Asia through its ports along the Mahanadi River. Traditionally held annually in Cuttack, the festival celebrates the ancient voyages of the Sadhabas—Odisha’s seafaring merchants—who traded in countries such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka. The event in London sought to bring this rich history to the global stage, featuring cultural performances, traditional arts and crafts, and regional cuisine.

A major highlight of the summit was the announcement of plans to establish a “Global South Corridor,” envisioned as a platform to revive and strengthen economic and cultural ties among regions of the Global South. Delegates from Southeast Asia, Africa, China, the UK, and Europe expressed keen interest in seeing the corridor materialise, with hopes that it would create new opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange in the coming year.

The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries and political representatives. UK MP Louie French, Shadow Minister for Sport and Culture, along with Lords Rami Ranger and Evans, attended the summit. The programme also saw the participation of former Members of Parliament, councillors from both the Conservative and Labour parties, and members of the London Assembly. Additionally, delegates from the Labour Friends of South East Asia, the PG on Indonesia, and other international representatives from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe joined the proceedings. The Trade Minister of Sri Lanka also graced the occasion, further underscoring the international significance of the event.

Chief Minister Majhi praised the organisers for their efforts in raising awareness about Odisha’s maritime history, noting that initiatives like these not only preserve cultural memory but also promote economic and diplomatic engagement. “This celebration reflects the enduring connections Odisha has maintained with countries across the Indian Ocean, and it is heartening to see our heritage being recognised and appreciated on a global stage,” the CMO quoted Majhi as saying.

For Odisha, Bali Jatra is more than a cultural festival; it is a commemoration of the state’s historical role as a maritime hub in the Bay of Bengal. The festival traditionally includes trade fairs, handicraft exhibitions, folk music, dance performances, and culinary showcases, drawing thousands of visitors every year. By celebrating Bali Jatra abroad, the Odia diaspora has created a platform to educate global audiences about these rich traditions and the historical trade networks that linked Odisha to the wider world.

The summit also served as a forum for discussions on maritime trade, cultural preservation, and international collaboration, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to projecting its heritage globally. Organisers emphasised the importance of connecting the historical maritime practices of Odisha with contemporary global economic and cultural initiatives, framing the festival as both a celebration and a tool for fostering international ties.

The success of the Bali Jatra event at the House of Lords illustrates the growing influence and engagement of the Odia diaspora, who continue to promote the state’s cultural and economic identity far beyond India’s borders. By blending traditional celebration with diplomatic and economic discourse, the summit highlighted how cultural heritage can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

Through this international celebration, Odisha has not only showcased its centuries-old maritime legacy but also underscored the relevance of historical trade and cultural networks in shaping contemporary global relations. As the state continues to support such initiatives, both domestically and abroad, the festival of Bali Jatra has firmly transitioned from a local cultural event to a global symbol of Odisha’s maritime history and cultural pride.

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