Oil
UNIT 23 KALINGA-BALI YATRA
Structure
23.0 Objectives
23.1 Introduction
23.2 Tile Background
23.3 Kalinga·Bali Yatra
23.3.1 The Objectives
23.3.2 The Detailed Plan
23.3.3 The Voyage
23.4 Other Cultural Activities
23.5 Publicity
23.6 Evaluation
23.7 Let Us Sum Up
23.8 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises
23.0 OBJECTIVES
The Kalinga-Bali Yatra was organised as a promotional event to give a boost to tourism.
After reading this Unit you will be able to:
• understand the significance of such ventures for promoting tourism,
• have an idea about the ancient ties that existed between India and Indonesia, and
• know how the Kalinga-Bali Yatra 1992-93 was organised, and
• appreciate the achievements of this event.
23.1 INTRODUCTION
Various government and non-government agencies and organisations keep making efforts
to attract more tourists to India. Lately some efforts were made to revive historical and
cultural events to give a boost to tourism. The organisation of Kalinga-Bali Yatra was one
38
such effort made in 1992-93 to attract the tourists from South-East Asia. The journey Kallnga-Bali Yatra
(Yatra) was undertaken via sea-route from Orissa in India to Bali in Indonesia. In this
Unit we first draw your attention to the significance of this journey. Next we discuss the
plan and execution of the yatra. It was not simply a sea voyage but a number of cultural
events were organised side by side. They have also been discussed briefly. In the end the
Unit takes into account the overall impact of this extravaganza. For those interested in
adventure the Unit mentions this voyage along with the problems faced in such a sail. Let
us first see the background in which this yatra was organised.
23.2 THE BACKGROUND
The present state of Orissa once formed part of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga. As early
as 5th and 4th centuries BC ports flourished in this area. There was regular interaction via
sea-route between the ports of Orissa and Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Bali. By the
beginning of the Christian era the merchants from Orissa established cultural and trade ties
with countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia. Bali, Java and Sumatra were the
ports most frequented by the merchants from Orissa. Maritime history of Kalinga sailors
lies littered in these islands of Indonesia. The ancient sailors and sea-faring merchants did
not care to leave their foot-prints upon the sands of time as kings have left in the forin of
inscriptions. But even today glimpses of their adventurous voyages to distant lands are
preserved through celebration of popular festivals.
One such festival falls on Kartik Purnima Day when the traditional Ball Yatra Festival
is observed in Orissa every year. This festival is reminiscent of Orissa's maritime links
with Suvarna Dwipa of by-gone days of which the island of Bali is a part. On this day
colourful paper boats are floated in tanks, rivers or sea reminding the present generation of
the hundreds of Kalinga merchants who used to set sail on high seas in pursuit of
maritime glory. So great was the fame of Kalinga as a maritime power in ancient times
that Kalidas in his Raghuvamsa referred to the King of Kalinga as "The Lord of the Sea"
(Mahodadhlpati). The Aryamanjusrimulakalpa, a text of Mabayana Buddhism, refers to
"All islands in the Kalinga Sea" (Kalingaodresu). It seems from these accounts that the
eastern sea or the modem Bay of Bengal was known in the past as the "Kalinga Sea"
being dominated by the ships of Kalinga.
To revive our age-old cultural, social and economic relations with the Indonesian islands
in 'general and Bali in particular, a humble beginning was made to revive the Ball Yatra
or Voyage to Bali retracing the ancient trade route.
A portion of Java island was then known as Ho-ling which is interpreted as a variant of
the word 'Kalinga'. Similarly, the people of Tri-Kalinga, who colonized in Burma, are
known as Talaing. Bali and Java were important centres for the spread of Indian culture in
Indonesia. Sreevijaya monarchs of Indonesia were known to be great patrons of art baving
intimate trade links with Kalinga, Gouda (Bengal) and other coastal states of India. A
voyage from Kalinga coast to Java or Bali islands in those days used to take about 40
days. With the decline of Brahmanical and Buddhist dynasties in Indonesia and Malaysia,
their maritime links with the Kalinga coast gradually diminished.
Bali (Indonesia) and Kalinga have influenced each other's culture to a very considerable
extent. An Indonesian scholar, Dr. LG.P. Pbalgunadi, visiting Orissa, was very pleasantly
surprised at many instances of similarity between the culture and lifestyles of the two
people. NOl surprisingly both Bali and Orissa boast of the strength of their culture in
tourism which includes their:
• graceful dance forms,
• art and handicrafts,
• temples, monuments and distinctive style of architecture,
• tie and dye, weaving technique and elegant textile designs,
• specialities of their cuisine, and the tranquil spread of their coconut fringed golden
beaches.
39
-
o
o
-
o
M
.1
"
Promotional SkiDs: Casc.Studles-I snappeu, renucnng u unscrviccamc, i ne last option of dropping anchor was thought of
and accordingly a very long line prepared (due to shore depths of 100-150 m). By this
time a light breeze picked up which was used to gel away from danger. The Crew worked I1
admirably - quiet and efficient, and the months of specialised training as a cohesive and
well knit team was tested. The yacht sailed to Pedang and entered on the night of 29 Dec
92 after being at sea for two weeks. The Indian Naval Attache' at Jakarta welcomed the
crew.
Passage Pedang-Jakarta-Ball: It soon became apparent that no expertise and spare parts
for this model of engine were available at Pedang. The Commander proposed to DNTINA
Jakarta to sail to Jakarta immediately to save on time, as the time schedo!e w':'., 11\", ':1,'
met due to light wind conditions, the passage from ":U-ui:! to nonr ('!hJ Ui Sunda strait
took 17 Jays. Au ~~rf()neSiallpatrol craft towed Samudra from the lat. 90 n.m. to Jakarta.
The three days Slay was spent in repairing and overhauling the engine, sail repair and
equipment servicing TIle yacht sailed for BaJi on t e afternoon of 20 Jail 93. The strong
2:; to 30 knots West winds and East s ttir J current helped tu", ~.~~~, t cover the 650 n.rn.
distance in a record five days. On the night of 25 Ja., .hc yacht entered Pedang tl..y and
on 27 Jan 93 morning the Benoa harbour. The ceremonial entry of the yacht was enacted
011 11 Jan 93 and the Governor of Bali was the Chief Guest at the reception. A welcome
dance b)' ..:__ T.l •.•1; n'''; vussa troupe was J.1~ll.g 1.1i"ht of this l:;-",
i \,-. '(>~ti()n of boat, the port was decorated
_, with Orissa applique work, .cxtiles and the
Ball Festival Committee had put up a colourful shamiana (huge tent) with ham boo and
Bali folk decoration. The entire port area bore a colourful festive look w::l, the arusuc
touch of Orissa and Bali decoration. Prof. Dr. lda Bagus Oka, Governor of Bali, Sri Biju
Patnaik, Chief Minister of Oris sa, Sri A U. Singh Deo, Minister, Tourism, Orissa, Saycd
Mustafiz Ahmed, Minister, Health, Orissa, Sri Chhotray Majhi, Minister, Handicraft,
Orissa, Sri Dilip Ray, Minister, Industry Orissa and Indian Ambassador to Jakarta were
present at the Port and received the INSV Sarnudra, A huge crowd with dignitaries from
Bali, such as STSI Officials and other general public, were also present to receive the
boat. A flotilla of seven decorated crafts escorted the INSV Samudra from the mid-sea lO
the harbour. This presented a spectacular sight and evoked memories of an age-old
tradition. The Bali Governor spoke very highly of the venture which he said would
strengthen the cultural ties between Kalinga and Bali. He specially thanked the Chief
Minister of Orissa, also a, "Bhumi Putra" of, Indoneisa, to have inspired such an
imaginative event and organised the festival.
Dr. I. Made Bandem, the Chairman, Bali Festival Committee welcomed the Chief Minister
and others and praised very highly of the Orissan venture which would act as a catalyst
for better cultural interaction between the two people who have much in common.
After a month's stay and a number of cultural functions the journey towards India started.
The yacht cast off ceremonially on 3rd Feb 93, after disembarking the lady member of the
crew. A simple, yet colourful, ceremony was held, The-yacht on coming out from the lee
of the high Benoa hill was hit by a westerly wind of 30 knot. The current was setting East
at a rate of 2 to 3 knots. Due to the strong winds, the speed further dropped and became
at tile mercy of the current. The yacht was pushed back 25 n.m, towards tile Island of
Lombok during the night of 3rd/4th Feb 93. With a torn sail, battered side ports the yacht
managed to enter the Lombok strait and return back to Benoa Harbour on 5th Feb
morning.
It is pertinent to mention that no yachts anchored at the marina were venturing out to
sail westward due to the North-west monsoon and 'Lena' winds. The islands of Java had
an unprecedented rainfall in which over seven major bridges collapsed, cutting off -
communications all over Java for several days. The yacht thus had to remain at Bali,
anchored at the yachting marina waiting for a break in the weather, which came after two
weeks. On 17th Feb 93 the yacht motored out of Benoa Harbour for Cilacap and reached,
in four days.
The yacht INSV Samudra returned to Paradip Port on the 8th April 1993 enroute touching
Vizag and other ports. The Minister, Tourism, Orissa received the voyagers '«-hich
comprised five Naval Officers.and three civilian crew from Orissa. The voyagers were
brought to Bhubaneswar for overnight stay.
44
KaUnga-BaU Yatra
On the 9th April 1993 a grand reception was accorded to e voyagers Oy \..u", -
Minister, Orissa, Minister, Tourism, Orissa and Minister, Education, Vice Admiral B.
Guha of Indian Navy, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism, Orissa, Director, Tourism,
Orissa and the Commanding Officer, INS Chilka. Hon. Chief Minister, Orissa presented
the choicest mementoes of Konark Wheel in silver filigree to the voyagers and to the
Indian Navy in appreciation of their services rendered for successful completion of Ball
Yatra Expedition.
r Check Your Progress 1
1. Why was the Kalinga-Bali Yatra organised?
2. Mention the cultural similiarities between Orissa and Indo: .esia.
t What went into the planning for the Yatra?
...........................................................................................................
. 23.4 OTHER CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The purpose of this voyage was beyond tracing the ancient sea route. The main objective
was to generate interest in the rich cultural heritage of Orissa in South East Asia. An
impetus to tourist flow to Orissa was to be given by reviving the memories of age old
cultural ties between the two regions. Keeping this view in mind various cultural
activities were organised. Special.care was taken to give a good exposure to 0--'~~aculture
in Indonesia. It was decided that-a cultural festival consisting of seminar, exhibition and
presentation of Orissa performing arts, will be t eld for three days. Eminent academics
from India and Indonesia would be invited to read papers on the cultural links between the
countries. In the exhibition and the cultural programme an attempt would be made to
recreate the ethos of architecture, bandicrafts and folk dance so that the Balinese and the
Indonesian people could get a glimpse of the art forms of a culturally important state of
India. In turn, the attempt was to learn from the phenomenally successful example of
Balinese Tourism. 1n Indonesia, according to Dr. Mantra, the Indonesian Ambassador in
India, "the interacting pattern between culture and tourism is dynamic, positive and
creative" and both have supported each other to new heights.
As per plan the following events were organised in Indonesia.
1. Kalingayana: The handicrafts of Orissa and other artefacts were displayed in the
eYlliiJilinnhat! of STSI. The exhibj.tlon displayed the following sectors;
45
Pramotionai Sldlls: Case Stud1es-l 1) Land and People
2) Monuments
-'
3) Spectaculars'
4) Fairs and Festivals
5) Handicrafts and Artisans
6) Lakes and Parks
7) Modernisation
8) Boita Bandana
About 150 photographs were displayed on the occasion. Alongwith this the original palm
leaf manuscripts and bronzes from the Orissa State Museum were also put on display in
the exhibition.
2. Kala Vipani: Tbe colourful Orissa Buddha textiles and exquisite Orissa Handicrafts
formed the part of Kala Vipani wbich was greatly appreciated by the discerning
public. The exquisite lkat design of Orissa handloom was noticed with interest by the
Balinesc. Tbe evening progranunes consisting of Kalingayana, Kala Vipani, Kalinga
Nrityana were formally inaugurated by the Governor of Ball wbile his wife opened
the exhibition in the presence of the Cbief Minister. Orissa and other dignitaries by
cutting the ribbon and lighting the lamp.
3. Kallnga Nrityana: The Orissa dance troupe consisted of the Odissi dancers from
Odissi Research Centre under the leadership of Padmabhusan Guru Kelu Charan
Mohapatra, Cbhau Dancers under the leadership of Guru Sri Hari Nayak and the
famous Sambalpuri Dancers. The Kalinga Nrityayana was presented in the Kala
Mandapa Auditorium within the STSI Complex. The various dance performances like "
Ramayana, Shiva Natyam, Mangalacharan, Dasabatar, Dalkhai, Rasarkelli, Garuda
Bahan, Kshatriya, Tamudia and other dance items were performed to packed
audiences. STSI of Bali also participated with Balinese dance items. It provided an
opportunity for cultural interface with spectacular success. The Chief Minister. Orissa
-beforc inaugurating the dance performances presented a silver filigree of Partha
Sarathi to the Governor of Bali.
4. Samparka: The International Seminar on Cultural Interaction between India and
Indonesia with special reference to Orissa and Bali titled "Samparka" was held in the
STSI auditorium. The inaugural session started on 1.2.1993 with a report by Chairman
of Bali Festival Committee Dr. I. Made Bandem, Director of STSI. It was followed
with short speeches by the Governor of Bali, Prof. Dr. lda Bagus Oka and Sri
BijuPattnaik. The Chief Minister, Orissa invited the Social Welfare Minister of
Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Haryati Soebadio to plan for a return festival from Indonesia in
0' issa to continue the "Samparka" which will be bosted by the Government of Orissa.
The International Seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Mr. Haryati Soebadio by
sounding a huge gong thrice in the presence of H.E. Governor. Bali Chief Minister.
Orissa, Dr. I Made Bandem, Sri A.V. Singh Deo, and other dignitaries and a number
of Indonesian and Oriya scholars and distinguished guests. Later the Social Welfare
Minister. Indonesia being a scholar of repute herself. delivered her key-note address at
the end of the inaugural session.
The business session started on 1.2.93 and the paper presentation and discussion continued
until 2.2.93 in four sessions. A number of eminent scholars from Jakarta, Yog Jakarta and
Bali belonging to different Universities. National Museum. Archaeological Departments
and other Academic Institutions participated from the Indonesia side. The scholars from
Orissa were Prof. L.K. Mobapatra, Prof. K.S. Behera, Dr. H.C. Das. Dr. D.N. Pathy and
Dr. B.K. Rath. The papers were presented with visuals and there were lively discussions
by the participants after presentation. Important scholars who presented papers from the
Indonesian side were Or. A.B. Lapian, Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Rata. Dr. Hariani Santiko, Dr.'
Edi Sedywati, Dr. I. Made Bandem. Sri A.K. Mishra, Commissioner-cum-Secretary.
. Tourism. Culture and I & P.R. Departments was one of the key note speakers. Two
-
o
o
o
:2,
business sessions in the Seminar were chaired by Prof. L.K. Mohapatra and Prof. K.S. ' (l)
(l)
Behera.
46,
,
<(l
I
"
"
~Promotlonal SkiDs: Case Studles-l the Seminar ended with concluding remarks by Chairman of the Ball Festival Committee
Dr. I. Made Badem which was followed by an excellent speech on India-Indonesia
Relations by Prof. Dr.Mantra, former Ambasador of Indonesia in India who emphasised
the need for increasing cultural ties between the two countries.
Apart from main functions in Indonesia a number of functions were organised in India.
The launching of the voyage was started with great fanfare and wide participation.
Besides, lavish functions were organised onevery port where the boat made a halt. When
the expedition reached back Orissa again functions were organised, Here again a seminar
was organised to trace out the glorious history of India-Indonesia cultural relations with "
special reference to Kalinga. Eminent scholars like Dr. M.N. Das, Dr. L.K. Mohapatra, Dr.
K.S. Behera, Dr. D.N. Pathy, Dr. B.K. Rath, Dr. H.C. Das, Dr. D. Pradhan and many
other scholars of South Asian Studies participated in the deliberations.
23.5 PUBLICITY
The 'event was widely publicised through advertisements, press releases, brochures, leaflets
etc.
The national media in India and Indonesia gave wide coverage to the event. Indian
newspapers reported the progress of the journey on regular basis. A number of features
and articles were carried to highlight the event.
The Department of Tourism published a number of Brochures, folders and posters on the
occasion of Kalinga Bali Yatra Festival. These folders had been specially designed
ensuring international standards. These 'included:
• Poster with a painting of Late Gopal Kanungo, a famous artist of Orissa,
• Poster with Kalinga
,
Bali Yatra logo taken from a maritime panel of Bhoga Mandap of I'
Purl Jagannath Temple, '
• Folder on Kalinga Bali Yatra highlighting the cultural synthesis of Kalinga Bali Yatra, I
This also included enumeration of the components of Bali Yatra Festival at Paradip. ;
• Catalogue on Kalinga Bali Classical Art exhibition highlighting the selected cultural :
items of the exhibition,
• Booklet on KaIinga Nrityayana with the detailed account of the dance repertoire,
• 'The sticker with Kalinga Ball Yatra Logo
• A portfolio reproduction of Dasabatar Pata-painting
• A guide to Orlssa written by Moureen Libel,
• Reprint of special features on Orissa (Destination of India)
• Booklet on Orissa published by Department of Tourism, Government of India and
reprinted by Department of Tourism, Govt. of Orissa
., The programme card with details of the programme of the entire Kalinga Bali Yatra
Festival
• An Eye to Orissa published by Information Department giving exhaustive account of
the history, culture; present day status of the modern Orissa State.
• A pouch folder with Bomkei textile models had been reproduced for presentation of
tourist literature.
Additionally mementoes like coat pins and lockets With Bali Yatra logo were also:
produced for presentation to",dignitaries ~t Ball. Thes~ were highly appreciated.! .
~ • I I I"
48
Kalhiga-Bali Yatra
23.6 EVALUAnON
The Kalinga-Bali Yatra, no doubt, was a unique event of its kind. However, certain
criticism was also offered. For example, the Tourism Industry was not associated with the
event. The Department of tourism, Orissa, took the sole responsibility for organising the
show and private sector was not involved. It would have added to the success had tour
operators, travel events, hotels etc been involved in the venture. Similarly, no follow-up
action was planned to keep alive the interest generated by this event. Perhaps these issues
will be kept in mind by the future planners of such events.
I Check Your Progress 2
1. What efforts were made for the publicity of the events related with the Kalinga Bali
Yatra?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• o", ••••••••• ~ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2. What kind of cultural activities were carried out?
3. Mention the limitations of the Yatra?
e I •••••••••• ': ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
"
23.7 LET US SUM UP
The planning and organisation of Bali-Kalinga Yatra was a commendable effort on the
part of tire Department of Tourism, Orissa. The sheer adventure spirit of the entire
enterprise attracted wide publicity. Tourism departments rarely organise ventures of this
level as promotional events. There was a lot of cultural exposure and interaction during
the event, However, it had two limitations. The Tourism Industry was not invited to
participate or be co-sponsorers .. The follow-up action after the event was also missing.
Yet, the Yatra will be remembered as a major promotion event organised by any State
Tourism Department. "
23..8 AN 'WERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
EXERCISES
(
~heck Your Progress 1
1. Base your answer 011 SUb. Sec 23.3.1
2. See Sec. 23.2
3. See Sec. 2~.3.2
Check Your Progress 2
1. See Sec. 21.5
2. See Sec. 21.4
~~. No fr.llow up action and leaving the Tourism Industry aside, etc. Sec Sec. 23.6.
tNSV 'smuI!rl\with Crew Members at Benou Harbour
.f
