Bhubaneswar: Bali Jatra – the famous festival to commemorate the maritime glory of Odisha – will be celebrated in the capital city from this year.

After Cuttack and Paradip, Bhubaneswar will be the next destination for the denizens to bask in the glory of the trade festival.

The 1100-year-old Shaivite shrine Nilakantheswar temple at Barimunda village on the banks of Kuakhai river on the city outskirts will be destination for the famous festival. Around 150 acre land has been identified where over 500 makeshift stalls can be erected for the purpose.

People from around 72 villages in 10 panchayats along with over 45 Puja Committees have come together to make it a success.

A preparatory meeting was organized recently to deliberate on the details.

Worth mentioning, the famous Bali Jatra festival is being organized on the banks of Mahanadi river near Barabati Fort area in Cuttack. The seven-day affair begins on Kartik Purnima and is celebrated with much fanfare.