Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the two-day Boat Racing Competition for the first time in the Mahanadi River to commemorate Bali Yatra and celebrate Odisha’s rich maritime heritage
Organised by the Tourism department and Cuttack administration, the event was hosted along the river stretch between Gadgadia Ghat and Silver City boat club with 15 teams from across the country participating in it.
Flagging off the event, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida said, “The Mahanadi Boita race is not just a competition, it’s a tribute to the courage and enterprise of our ancestors who navigated the sea and built Odisha’s maritime legacy.”
Parida added that the event bridges the state’s glorious past with the aspirations of a vibrant and youthful Odisha.
The event featured thrilling races in 1,000 metre, 500 metre, and 200 metre categories, with five women’s teams showcasing their skills. The competition was followed by a spectacular fly boat show, leaving the audience in awe with its stunning formations and speed displays.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism, Balwant Singh, DIG, Home Guards and Fire Services, Umashankar Das, Director, Tourism, Deepankar Mohapatra, Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, and CMC Commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota.
