Inaugurating the historic Kalinga Baliyatra at Biju Maidan near the sea beach in Paradip on Thursday evening, State Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda said the fair is a symbol of age-old traditional, cultural and economic relationship with Indonesia, Bali, Sumatra and Java.
The event is linked to Odisha’s rich maritime past. It also symbolizes the courage of Odia Sadhavas ( sea traders), the Minister added.
Attending the event as chief guest, Health Minister Pratap Jena reminded that late CM Biju Patnaik was deeply attached with Paradip and had started Kalinga Baliyatra in Paradip in the year 1992 to revive the maritime glory of Odisha.
Jagatsinghpur Collector and Baliyatra Committee chairperson Yamini Sarangi chaired the inaugural function, which was also attended by MP Kulamani Samal, Paradip MLA Damodar Rout, Balikuda- Erasama MLA Prasant Mudli, Mahakalapada MLA Atanu Sabyasachi, ZP president Priyadarshini Biswal, Paradip Municipality Chairman Basanta Kumar Biswal , ADM Paradip Kanhu charan Dhir.
The weeklong festival will continue till November 28.