India, March 7 -- Confusion shrouded the issue of national recognition to Bali Jatra festival, a prominent cultural event and traditional trade fair in the state of Odisha, following a statement of the minister concerned in the Assembly on Friday.A statement in this regard was made by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, which sparked controversy after he announced in the Assembly that Bali Jatra has not yet been accorded national recognition.

Know why the confusion sparked This revelation came in response to a query from Congress MLA, Sophia Firdous, seeking clarification on the festival's recognition status.

The issue is rooted in previous statements reportedly made by the Union Culture Minister, which suggested that national recognit...