Cuttack: The tranquil waters of the Mahanadi River recently came alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Mahanadi Boita Race, an innovative event that beautifully resurrected the ancient maritime spirit of Odisha.
Drawing profound inspiration from the legendary Sadhabas, the intrepid sea-traders of Kalinga who once navigated the vast ocean to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka, the race served as a magnificent tribute to the state’s glorious seafaring past.
This unique competition, held as a key highlight of the ongoing Bali Yatra celebrations, powerfully symbolises Odisha’s deep-rooted connection with the seas and its enduring legacy of commerce, culture, and friendship with Southeast Asia.
For the first time in Odisha’s history, this event provided a tangible link between the present generation and the adventurous voyages undertaken by their ancestors centuries ago.
The successful debut of the Mahanadi Boita Race was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the SNM Group. The initiative to introduce this culturally rich event came from Odisha Secretary Tourism Shri Balwant Singh, who is widely recognized for his tireless efforts to elevate Odisha’s image on the national stage.
Shri Balwant Singh successfully roped in Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, Managing Director of the SNM Group, to lend his support to this unique and significant endeavour, ensuring the race’s successful launch and its fitting place within the Bali Yatra festivities. The event was a breathtaking celebration of heritage, showcasing the spirit of Kalinga that continues to sail in the hearts of its people.
In fact Secretary Tourism, expressed his profound happiness regarding the innovative Mahanadi Boita Race, an event that successfully rekindled Odisha’s ancient maritime legacy.
The Secretary commended the SNM Group, the prominent conglomerate, for its pivotal support in bringing this unique celebration of heritage to fruition during the Bali Yatra festivities.