The Orissa High Court recently addressed the organization of the 2025 Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack, Odisha, specifically concerning the use of the Upper Bali Jatra ground. Questions had arisen about shifting stalls from the historically significant Upper ground to the Lower ground. Stakeholders emphasized the cultural importance of the Upper ground, where the festival originally began, and sought clarity on whether the court had imposed restrictions.
The court clarified that it had not prohibited the use of the Upper ground for the festival. Its earlier directions had suggested that the district administration consider holding the fair in the Lower ground to ensure smoother public movement and provide unimpeded access for emergency vehicles along the Ring Road, which separates the two grounds. However, the court emphasized that these suggestions did not amount to a ban or restriction on the Upper ground. Therefore, no additional permission from the court was necessary for utilizing the Upper Bali Jatra ground for organizing the festival.
The ruling effectively allowed the festival to continue on its original site, preserving the historical and cultural context of Bali Jatra. The court’s decision provides flexibility to the district administration to organize the festival while also maintaining public safety and ease of movement. It reaffirmed that while administrative considerations for traffic and emergency access were important, they should not override the traditional significance of the festival’s venue.
This clarification ensures that organizers and stakeholders can plan the festival without legal ambiguities, balancing heritage preservation with practical logistical requirements. By allowing the Upper ground to be used, the court recognized the importance of cultural continuity, enabling Cuttack’s iconic festival to proceed with due respect to its origins while ensuring the administrative measures necessary for public safety. The decision reflects a careful consideration of both cultural and civic priorities, supporting the continuation of the festival in a manner that honors its legacy.
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