Bali Jatra is a festival celebrated by the tribal people of
Orissa. It is celebrated exactly on the date of
Karam Festival. It starts from the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapad (August-September) and continues up to the full-moon.
Bali Jatra begins with '
Nuakhia' (first eating) feast on which new rice is consumed. During this festival, various grains are planted in the wet sand (Bali) which is brought from a nearby stream and is placed on a structure called 'Bali Jatra' or sand house. Goats, fowls and pigeons are sacrificed on this auspicious occasion.
On this occasion men and woman embellish themselves on fancy dresses and rejoice with drinking, feasting, dancing and singing.
