People gather on Bali yatra ground in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Nov. 17: The pain and agony of people and the devastation caused by cyclone Phailin that hit the state last month was aptly depicted in a sand art at Bali yatra which got off to a colourful start here today.

The sand art created by Pramod Patnaik was appreciated by visitors on the opening day of the week-long festival.

“The sand art speaks about the devastation and the sufferings and, at the same time, carries the message of the united efforts of the state government in successful handling of the natural disaster,” said Patnaik, adding that around 160 tonnes of sand had been used to create the 10ft sand art.

Adequate measures have been undertaken by the district administration for the safety of the visitors to Bali yatra, which has given special emphasise this year to extend livelihood support to artisans and other traders from Phailin and flood-affected districts.

An insurance cover of Rs 4 crore was also made by the district administration for the fair. “A lot of efforts have been put in for restoration of the fair ground, especially on the Mahanadi riverbed, which was damaged because of the cyclone and subsequent waterlogging,” said collector Girish S.N.

To promote use of Odia, the district administration has successfully enforced use of signs in the language by various kiosks this year. The district administration had made the use of Odia mandatory for displaying names of various kiosks at Bali yatra last year.

Earlier, the district administration had banned the amusement section and entertainment and other cultural programmes to express sympathy to the cyclone and flood victims.

More than two lakh visitors thronged Cuttack today to take part in the fair that provides good business opportunity to thousands of artisans from various parts of the state and the country.