By: Matt Emma

From Timeless Maritime Traditions to Global Partnerships: Honouring Odisha’s Legacy, Showcasing India’s Strength, and Building a Sustainable Future.

London, UK, Cuttack, India — The ancient maritime festival of Odisha, Bali Jatra, is set to enter the global spotlight as it makes its debut in the British Parliament this November. For the first time, this centuries-old celebration will be presented at the House of Lords on 14 November, with a dynamic two-day program bringing together international leaders, scholars, and cultural influencers under the banner “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures.” The festivities will continue on 15 November with an international trade fair and cultural gala in Croydon.

Odisha, once known as Kalinga, was a distinguished maritime force as far back as 400 BCE. Its pioneering Sadhabas navigated the legendary Boita ships, forging active trade and diplomatic links with Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand—early examples of cross-cultural diplomacy. Today, Odisha’s Bali Jatra in Cuttack continues to honor this history, celebrating the journeys and cultural exchanges of its forebears.

“This event at the British Parliament marks an important step in ensuring Odisha’s maritime legacy and cultural pride receive wider international recognition,” said Organising Secretary Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak FRSA, OSUK (CIC). The initiative is brought to you by Xpertnest, led by British-Odia entrepreneur and philanthropist Arun Kar, whose passion for his home state, Odisha, has been the driving force behind his visionary and pioneering initiatives.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken on several occasions about India’s historic maritime bonds,” noted Sweta Mohanty, spokesperson for the organising committee. “By launching Bali Jatra UK 2025 in London, we hope to create not just a celebration, but a platform for discussion on ancient trade, civilisational heritage, and their relevance in contemporary times.”

Bali Jatra’s legacy extends beyond trade—these maritime routes were true conduits for culture, values, and co-existence. The organisers aim to encourage dialogue around climate action, sustainability, and South-South cooperation, underscoring the contemporary importance of the Global South—home to most of the world’s population, with booming economies and unmatched cultural wealth.

“This is the lasting message of Bali Jatra—shared journeys and a future shaped by collaboration and heritage. Our theme at the House of Lords reflects this spirit: ‘Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures,’” added Mohanty.

Additionally, the organisers highlighted that Bali Jatra has already been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, while the Government of Odisha is actively working toward UNESCO recognition. They emphasised that this initiative supports and strengthens that effort by showcasing Odisha’s rich maritime heritage on a global stage.

Leadership and Event Structure

The Bali Jatra UK 2025 is convened by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom CIC (OSUK CIC) (Reg no. 15201747), with organising Secretaries Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak FRSA and Partha Sarathi Panda, Spokesperson Ms. Sweta Mohanty alongside other OSUK CIC directors: Dipti Mohanty, Salil Kumar Das, Dr. Prakash Kumar Dey, Pravat Mishra, Srikanta Kumar Padhi, and Susmita Rajhansha. The core committee—including Subhakant Das, Biren Patnaik, Debi Das, Preeti Rath, Subhranshu Barpanda, Satya Sidhartha, Bishnu Panigrahi, Sitansu Sahoo, Sabita Pradhan, Vikash Pradhan, Minaketan Panda, Ratikant Dwibedi, Bibhuti Patra, Tarun Kumar Das, Subhaprada Sudehna, and Rina Meher—has played important roles in bringing together this event.

Held in association with Xpertnest (a global leader in digital transformation and sustainable innovation), invitations span Indian and British parliamentarians, UK royal family members, policymakers, business leaders, and academics—demonstrating the event’s international scope.

Major Programme Highlights of Bali Jatra UK 2025

Day One: House of Lords, British Parliament

• Keynote speeches by invited Heads of State of India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Nigeria

• High-level panel dialogues on maritime history and sustainable futures

• Awards recognizing excellence in heritage and sustainability

Day Two: Croydon Trade Fair and Gala

• International business pavilions with global partners

• Cultural exhibitions and performances

• Food festival with a focus on Odia cuisine

The Global South Maritime Heritage Summit / Bali Jatra UK aims to position maritime heritage as a bridge between history, trade, and sustainability while creating a potential global platform for dialogue and collaboration. For us, it is about showcasing leadership in convening international stakeholders to explore opportunities in heritage preservation, sustainable innovation, and global commerce. For India, the summit reinforces its maritime legacy and global presence, reinforcing its role as a key player in the Global South and a driver of sustainable economic growth. For Odisha, it is a historic opportunity to spotlight the timeless tradition of Bali Jatra on the world stage, celebrating its rich cultural identity while unlocking new avenues in tourism, trade, and international investment. Importantly, the event is designed to be inclusive, inviting participation from diverse communities across the UK and beyond, and not limiting it to the Odia diaspora alone.