: The Orissa High Court Thursday directed the Cuttack district administration to decide on organising the Bali Jatra festival on two specific grounds beside the Mahanadi river, instead of one, clearing confusion over the venue.

Bali Jatra festival, to be held from November 5 to 12, commemorates the voyages of ancient seafarers who set sail to Southeast Asia and beyond, carrying trade, culture, and friendship.

The state government has permitted the district administration to use the land of the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project near the Lower Padia for holding the festival.

However, various stakeholders were in favour of observing it on Upper Padia on the grounds that historical significance of the festival is rooted in the Upper Padia, where it began about 500 years ago. Besides,

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