Cuttack: Bollywood and Ollywood stars have been lighting up the stage at the historic Bali Yatra every evening. But, a dazzling laser light show at the historic Bali Yatra truly stole the spotlight, drawing a huge crowd on Monday.
The laser extravaganza, set against the shimmering waters near the iconic Bali Yatra ground, painted the night sky with kaleidoscopic beams of light dancing in sync with pulsating music. The spectacle had the audience cheering, clapping, and capturing the moment on their phones — a true feast for the eyes.
Organizers said the show has become the talk of the town, drawing unprecedented footfall this year.
Alongside the laser show, the Baishnab Pani stage came alive with a vibrant orchestra “Geet Sagar”, which enthralled the audience with popular Ollywood and Bollywood melodies. Cultural programs such as “Baliyatra – Baliru Muthe Kahani” by Nabakalika (Cuttack), “Neela Shaila” by Dashaabhuja Gotipua Odissi Nrutya Parishad (Puri), “Gitinatya Bheem Bhoi” by Dhenkanal Kala Parishad, a Bhangra performance from Punjab, “Kali Mangala Charan” by Bharatiya Kala Sanskriti Trust, “Jahna Re Jahna Palli Nrutya” by Nrutyasha (Cuttack), Gedi folk dance by Lok Srirang Bharati (Chhattisgarh), and “Remix Choreographic Bengal Folk Art” by EZCC (Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre) kept the audience spellbound.
At the Akshaya Mohanty Stage, the evening took a devotional turn with devotional and folk performances dedicated to the late musical legend. Highlights included “Akshaya Mohanty Bhakti Sangeet” by Nishiprava Pani (Amrit Music Odia), “Laudi Folk” by Ashok Behera (Banki), “Devi Act” by Vivekananda Mohanty (Charu Nrutyan, Puri), “Kanjhar Nrutya” by Anugraha Cultural Council (Kandhamal), “Nagendra Haraya” Odissi by Sugyani Mahapatra (Cuttack), and “Draupadi Cheeraharan” dance by Rozalin Sahoo — all of which drew continuous applause from the crowd.
As always, this edition of Bali Yatra has something for everyone-starting from performances of Ollywood and Bollywood singers and stars to rides, water attractions, and various fun activities. With the swelling crowds, authorities have tightened security arrangements across the Mahanadi riverfront.
Often hailed as Odisha’s grand trade fair, the Bali Yatra will continue till November 12 along the riverbank, featuring a wide range of stalls offering food, handicrafts, and merchandise.
The Baishnab Pani Stage continues to host daily cultural programs, and this year, the event’s smooth management has earned widespread appreciation for the administration on social media, proving once again that Cuttack knows how to celebrate in style.
