Cuttack: Indonesia will be the partner country of the historic Bali Yatra this year, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Wednesday, highlighting Odisha’s centuries-old maritime ties with the Southeast Asian nation. The festival will be held from Nov 26 to Dec 1 on the banks of river Mahanadi in Cuttack.The announcement is expected to add an international dimension to the annual festival, which celebrates Odisha’s rich maritime heritage and the voyages of ancient Kalinga traders.In a social media post highlighting Bali Yatra’s growing economic significance, Mohan Majhi said a high-level delegation is also scheduled to travel to Bali under the ‘Taking It to Bali’ initiative, while Indonesia will participate as the partner country of Bali Yatra 2026.He also highlighted, “The 2025 edition attracted 65 lakh visitors and generated business worth over Rs 400 crore, with participation from 24 states.” He said the festival had grown beyond a traditional celebration into a major economic and cultural platform.Over 500 ORMAS stalls, dedicated vending zones and spaces for handloom and handicraft products aimed at turning Odisha’s maritime heritage into livelihood opportunities for its people.Cuttack collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said Indonesia’s participation would help strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two regions. “Indonesia being the partner country of Bali Yatra 2026 is a significant step towards reviving our historic maritime connections. The association will provide an opportunity to showcase Odisha’s rich heritage while promoting cultural exchange, tourism and economic cooperation,” added Shinde.“As per the current information, a high-level delegation is also scheduled to travel to Bali under the ‘Taking It to Bali’ initiative, while Indonesia will participate as the partner country of Bali Yatra 2026,” informed Shinde.The state govt has been positioning Bali Yatra as more than a traditional festival, with a focus on creating opportunities for local artisans, weavers, self-help groups, traders and entrepreneurs.The festival’s maritime theme commemorates the ancient trading links between Kalinga and Southeast Asian regions, including present-day Indonesia. The tradition of Boita Bandana, observed on Kartika Purnima, symbolises the sea voyages undertaken by Odia traders, known as Sadhabas.The partnership with Indonesia is expected to provide a platform for cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation in tourism and industry.The annual festival attracts lakhs of visitors and provides a major platform for local businesses and cultural groups. With the international partnership, the administration aims to expand its cultural and economic outreach while preserving the festival’s historic identity.