Odisha at a Glance

Celebrating Odisha’s Maritime Legacy on the Waves

Mahanadi Boita Race

For centuries, Odisha’s maritime tradition has connected its shores with distant lands across the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. The annual Bali Jatra in Kataka commemorates this by reflecting the voyages of the Sadhabas who once sailed in large boats known as boitas.

The Mahanadi Boita Race renews the maritime legacy of erstwhile Kalinga, offering a contemporary interpretation of the centuries old seafaring tradition through the symbolism of the biota (traditional boats) and the energy of competitive water sports. First held during Bali Jatra 2025, the race is a sporting attraction of the State that brings teams together to compete on the waters of the Mahanadi.

About the Festival

Held at the Silver City Boat Club during Bali Jatra, Mahanadi Boita Race is a celebration of teamwork, rhythm and competitive rowing. The boats draw inspiration from the traditional vessels associated with Odisha’s seafaring past.

The inaugural edition of 2025 marked the beginning of the new sporting tradition, bringing together teams from different parts of India and South Asian countries.

Festival Information

  • Venue

    Silver City Boat Club, Mahanadi River, Kataka

  • Race Formats

    1000 m | 500 m | 200 m

  • Categories

    Men’s Teams | Women’s Teams | Mixed Teams

  • Participation

    Teams from Indian states and South Asian nations

  • Dates

    To be announced

What Can Visitors Witness

Watch teams paddle in unison as boats race across the Mahanadi. Speed, rhythm and coordination make the race an engaging sporting spectacle, while its association with Bali Jatra connects it with Odisha’s maritime heritage.

Visitors can also experience the larger Bali Jatra celebrations, from Boita Bandana and cultural programmes to the sprawling fair along the Mahanadi riverfront.

What Makes the Event Special

Re-enactment of Maritime History

Witness the story of Odisha’s seafaring past take shape on the waters of the Mahanadi.

Tradition meets Sport

Boita inspired boats, coordinated paddling and team spirit create an exciting sporting spectacle.

A Regional Sporting Spectacle

Teams from India and South Asian countries come together as part of this celebration of shared maritime connections.

Festival Highlights

Boita Style Racing

Competitive races inspired by the traditional boats of Odisha’s maritime past.

Three Race Distances

1000 m, 500 m and 200 m formats bring different levels of speed and endurance to the competition.

Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Teams

Multiple categories bring diverse participation to the event.

Indian and South Asian Participation

Teams from across India and South Asian countries compete on the Mahanadi.

Odisha Teams

Rowers from Odisha can participate in the selection process for the state’s men’s and women’s teams, subject to the official registration and selection schedule.

Bali Jatra Experience

The race takes place alongside one of Odisha’s largest fairs, bringing together maritime traditions, food, shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences.

What to Eat

A visit to Bali Jatra is also a journey through Odisha’s flavours. The fairground comes alive with food stalls serving everything from traditional Odia favourites to popular street food.

  • Thunka Puri

    A much loved Bali Jatra speciality, it is essentially enlarged Poori, traditionally served with a flavourful chhena based curry.

  • Dahibara Aloodum

    Kataka’s signature street food, it's a unique combination of the black lentil soft baras, yellow pea curry and aloodum.

  • Fish Cutlets

    Crispy fish preparations by the Fisheries Dept Stall at the Bali Jatra, that bring the flavours of Odisha’s coastal cuisine to the fair.

  • Pitha & Fritters

    Explore an assortment of traditional pithas and freshly prepared fritters from various stalls set up in the fair.

  • Traditional Sweets

    Look out for Odisha favourites such as Rasagola, Rasabali and Chhenapoda.

  • More to Explore

    From gupchup and chops to food from different parts of India, there is plenty to sample around the fairground.

Shop Souvenirs

Bali Jatra is as much a bustling marketplace as it is a festival. Its stalls bring together Odisha’s handlooms, handicrafts, food products and traditional items alongside contemporary products.

  • Pallishree Mela

    Explore the ORMAS marketplace for handlooms, handicrafts, spices, food products and other goods made by rural producer groups and enterprises.

  • Handlooms & Handicrafts

    Browse textiles, traditional crafts, home décor and products representing different parts of Odisha.

  • Spices & Regional Products

    Pick up locally produced spices, food products and regional specialities especially at the ORMAS Stall.

  • Traditional Fair Finds

    Toys, decorative pieces, curios and other souvenirs add to the character of shopping at Bali Jatra.

Things to Do

There is much more to Bali Jatra than the Boita Race. Spend time exploring the fairground and taking in its sights, sounds and activities.

Ride the Giant Wheel

Ride the Giant Wheel

Take in a sweeping view of the illuminated fairground from above.

Try the Boat Swings

Try the Boat Swings

Enjoy the traditional fairground boat swing rides, a familiar attraction for visitors of all ages.

Explore the Fairgrounds

Explore the Fairgrounds

Walk through the food stalls, craft bazaars, exhibitions and shops spread across the Bali Jatra grounds.

Enjoy Cultural Programmes

Enjoy Cultural Programmes

Music, dance and other performances add to the festive atmosphere.

Witness Boita Bandana

Witness Boita Bandana

On Kartika Purnima, watch people float miniature boats on the Mahanadi, recalling Odisha’s maritime voyages.

Watch the Mahanadi Boita Race

Watch the Mahanadi Boita Race

Head to the Silver City Boat Club to see teams compete in boita style racing boats on the Mahanadi.

Where the Maritime Tradition Leads, Discovery Follows

Extend your Bali Jatra visit with a journey through Kataka’s history, culture and connection with the Mahanadi.
Dhabaleswar Temple

Dhabaleswar Temple

Take a short excursion to the island temple of Lord Shiva, set amid the Mahanadi.
Netaji Birthplace Museum

Netaji Birthplace Museum

Visit the ancestral home and birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, preserved as a museum documenting his early life.
Barabati Fort

Barabati Fort

Explore the remains of Kataka’s medieval fort and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Odisha State Maritime Museum

Odisha State Maritime Museum

Discover Odisha’s riverine and maritime heritage through boats, instruments, machines, artefacts and exhibits.

When and How to Visit

Best Time to Visit:

During Bali Jatra in November, when Kataka’s Mahanadi riverfront comes alive with the fair, cultural celebrations and the Mahanadi Boita Race.

Nearest Airport:

Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.

Nearest Railway Station:

Kataka Railway Station.

Travel Tip:

Reach the race venue early on the day of the event for a good view of the action. During Bali Jatra, visitor numbers around the fairground are high, so allow additional time for traffic, parking and movement around the venue.

Recommended Stay:

Visitors can stay at Panthanivas Kataka, while the city also offers accommodation across different categories. Panthanivas Bhubaneswar is another option, with Bhubaneswar offering a wider choice of hotels and being well connected to Kataka by road and rail.