Recently, a significant cultural event, the annual Baliyatra, was brought under the spotlight by the Prime Minister. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack, Baliyatra is an event that draws attention to the centuries-old connection between ancient Kalinga (present-day Odisha) and Southeast Asia. The Prime Minister referred to this event during his speech to the Indian diaspora in Bali while attending the G20 Summit. Adding to the popularity of the event, the 2022 Baliyatra succeeded in setting a Guinness World Record through an impressive origami feat, creating stunning paper sculptures.
Understanding the Baliyatra Festival
The name “Baliyatra” translates to ‘voyage to Bali’, and it’s considered one of the largest open-air festivals in the country. The week-long event commences on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night in the month of Kartik. Organized annually, this festival honours the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between ancient Kalinga and several South and Southeast Asian regions including Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar), and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Historically, popular trading items between Kalinga and Southeast Asia comprised pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, silk, camphor, gold, and jewellery. Baliyatra pays tribute to the innovation and skill of the adept sailors who made Kalinga a thriving empire.
Economic Impact of Baliyatra
In addition to its cultural and historical aspects, Baliyatra holds substantial commercial significance. During the festival, people buy items ranging from automobiles and electronic devices to local handmade products at relatively lower prices. The district administration assigns over 1,500 stalls to vendors through an auction, and the fair is projected to generate business worth more than Rs 100 crore during its course.
The Ancient Maritime Connection between Kalinga and Southeast Asia
Recognized for its illustrious maritime history, the Kalinga Empire (current Odisha) holds a pivotal role in maritime trade. Thanks to Kalinga’s geographical location, ports sprouted as early as the 4th and 5th century BC. Famous ports such as Tamralipti, Manikpatna, Chelitalo, Palur, and Pithunda fostered India’s sea-bound connections with other countries. Eventually, Kalinga established trade ties with Srilanka, Java, Borneo, Sumatra, Bali, and Burma. Bali was part of the four islands referred to as Suvarnadvipa, known today as Indonesia.
Kalinga’s Ships and Sea Dominance
Kalingans built large boats, dubbed ‘Boitas’, facilitating trade with the Indonesian islands. The Bay of Bengal, once dubbed the Kalinga Sea, was frequented by these ships. The authority of Kalingas over sea routes becomes evident from renowned poet Kalidasa referring to the King of Kalinga as ‘The Lord of the Sea’ in his Raghuvamsa.
Cultural Exchanges Stemming from Trade with Indonesia
Trade activities between Kalinga and Bali also resulted in an exchange of ideas and beliefs. Odia merchants settled in Bali, influencing its culture and ethical principles, leading to Hinduism’s expansion in the region. Balinese Hinduism, a blend of Hindu concepts and local beliefs, is still practised by a majority of the population. They venerate Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Brahma. They consider Shiva the presiding deity and Buddha’s elder brother.
The Balinese celebrate Hindu Festivals such as Shivaratri, Durga Pooja, and Saraswati Pooja. The ‘Masakapan ke Tukad’ festival celebrated in Bali resembles the Bali Yatra festival in Odisha, both honouring their maritime ancestors.