Cuttack : Only a day left to raise the curtain on historic Balijatra,it’s apt to recall the glorious maritime history of Odisha where the then Odia merchants or ‘Sadhabas’ were unfurling their sails to further trade and commerce with Far off Indonesian and Malaysian islands like Bali, Java, Sumatra and Borneo etc. To commemorate the longstanding trade relationship, this year’s Balijatra will showcase the picturesque South East Asia Pavilion. A galaxy of 15 stalls inside the pavilion will project prominent cultural similarities between Odisha and South East Asian countries like exchange of art and culture, mythological connections,temples, textiles terracotta ,dance forms, masks and coins of earlier times.
The pavilion’s entrance will be designed as the famous Jiranga Monastery Gate while the exit will bear the replica of Indonesian Gate in remembrance of the monumental Buddhist tradition prevalent in Odisha vis-à-vis Asian heritage.
The prominent presence of Cuttack in the global trade snd commerce network, Jobra’s maritime museum, digitised maps of ancient trade routes , temples,textiles, terracotta , Ikat sarees etc will be displayed in the stalls . Live demonstration of traditional ‘Boita’ with Sadhabas will be the centre of attraction. While Ratha wheel and rope will be displayed to propagate and perpetuate the epic of Jagannath cult, the artistic Masked Dance performance by Puri troupes will be the show stopper. Adding to the significance of this Pavilion Quiz shows will be held on full digital displays along with provision for gifts for the winning participants.