Orissa's ancient maritime linkages with Bali are celebrated in this unusual festival. Observed on the full moon day of Kartik (considered highly auspicious for taking a voyage to distant lands), tiny boats made of either paper or bark of banana trees are lit with clay lamps and floated in rivers and tanks all over the state.

A big fair popularly known as Bali Yatra is held at the fort area of Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi on this occasion.