Baliyatra, Odisha’s iconic maritime festival, is known for celebrating innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship. For Gopala Mini Gifts, Baliyatra 2025 will always be remembered as a milestone moment—because this was the first time our Mini Rath was introduced to the general public. Thanks to the opportunity provided by the MSME Expo Pavilion, we were able to bring our unique Jagannath-inspired creation to thousands of visitors.
As a young startup, we stepped into Baliyatra with a small team, limited experience, and many doubts. But with determination, teamwork, and the constant encouragement of the MSME Department, our journey turned into a heartwarming and rewarding success story.
A Vibrant Festival, A Warm Welcome
The atmosphere at Baliyatra 2025 was electric—crowds exploring stalls, families enjoying food, children playing, and youth capturing moments on their phones. Amidst this lively setting, our Mini Rath instantly caught attention. Its colourful craftsmanship, traditional Puri-style design, and compact size made visitors stop and admire.
Many curious visitors asked:
- “Is this the Jagannath Mini Rath?”
- “Can we take a photo with it?”
- “This is so cute—does it move like the real Rath?”
Their excitement reassured us that Mini Rath was creating a strong first impression.
Youth Engagement: The Highlight of Our Stall
The biggest surprise of Baliyatra 2025 was the overwhelming interest from young visitors. Many youths joyfully pulled the Mini Rath, just like the real Rathyatra tradition. Others posed with it for selfies, reels, and group photos. Many shared their reactions, saying:
- “We’ve never seen something like this before!”
- “Perfect for home décor and Jagannath-themed gifting!”
- “My family would love this!”
Their enthusiasm helped our product reach a wider audience, both offline and online.
Sales, Leads & New Friendships
The response exceeded our expectations. Throughout the event, we received:
- Strong sales for home décor
- Orders from families wanting to teach their children about Jagannath culture
- Multiple corporate gifting inquiries
- Interest from event organizers, temple committees, and cultural groups
- Dozens of new friendships and well-wishers who loved the Mini Rath concept
For our first public showcase, these achievements were priceless.
A Journey of Learning, Growth & Gratitude
Baliyatra 2025 was not just an exhibition—it was a powerful learning experience. We learned how to handle large crowds, present our product story, and understand what customers love about Mini Rath. The support from MSME officials gave us confidence, guidance, and motivation throughout the event.
We remain deeply grateful to the MSME Department, Government of Odisha, for giving new entrepreneurs like us a platform to shine. Their trust helped us reach thousands of people and share the beauty of Jagannath culture.
Looking Ahead: Mini Rath’s Growing Journey
The love and excitement we received at Baliyatra 2025 made one thing clear—Mini Rath is more than a product; it’s an emotion and a cultural symbol of Odisha. This experience inspires us to keep innovating, reach more homes, and introduce the beauty of Jagannath culture to the world.
As Gopala Mini Gifts grows, our first Baliyatra journey will always remain a cherished chapter in our story.