Brahmapur/Gopalpur: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Tuesday inaugurated the much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival, emphasising the importance of coastal regions like Gopalpur in promoting tourism, culture, and economic development.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said Gopalpur is not merely an attractive beach destination but a place where history, tradition, and progress converge.
“Our coastline is not just a physical boundary, but a symbol of livelihood and aspirations. The brave Sadhabas of ancient Kalinga crossed vast seas, contributing to trade and spreading Odisha’s rich culture and values. Odisha has always maintained a global outlook, self-confidence, and progressive thinking,” he said.
He added that festivals like the Gopalpur Beach Festival would play a significant role in boosting tourism, promoting local businesses, and supporting sustainable development.
Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the Beach Festival is one of the finest festivals of Odisha. In the fields of art, literature, culture, and music, Ganjam holds a leading position in the state.
Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena added that this year’s much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival has been organised with India’s finest art, culture, beach sports, Pallishree Mela, and Food Festival to attract tourists not only from Odisha but also from across the country and abroad. “This will establish Gopalpur as an attractive coastal tourism destination at the global level,” he stated.
Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Minister Gokulananda Mallick; Khalikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethy; Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi; Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak; Gopalpur NAC Chairperson A. Janaki Ram; Padma Sudarsan Pattnaik; IG Niti Shekhar; District Collector Keerthi Vasan V; Ganjam Superintendent of Police Suvendu Kumar Patra; and Berhampur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke attended the programme as distinguished guests and highly appreciated the Gopalpur Beach Festival.
Today’s cultural stage was dedicated in the name of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja.
Additional District Magistrate Dr Pramod Kumar Prusty; Debadutta Panda; Sunil Kumar Kerketta; Berhampur Sub-Collector Avinash Kumar; Chatrapur Sub-Collector Sibasish Baral; and Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Behera efficiently managed and coordinated all the programmes.
This morning, a torch procession commenced simultaneously from Maa Taratarini Temple (Purushottampur), Maa Balakumari Temple (Chikiti), and Maa Kulada Devi Temple near Bhanjanagar. The processions converged near Narayanpur village, and from there, under the leadership of Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, a grand procession with Naam Sankirtan proceeded to Gopalpur Beach. At the beach, saints from Varanasi performed a unique Sea Aarti—virtually for the first time in Odisha—marking the auspicious inauguration of the festival.
In today’s Star Nights programme, B Praak, Kuldeep Pattnaik, Shashwat Joshi, Ananya Das, and local artists mesmerised the audience with captivating cultural performances.
At Narendrapur Kalabikash Kendra in Badakushasthali, the cultural programme was inaugurated with Ranapa dance performances.
Chhatrapur Kalabikash Kendra presented Odissi dance; Sangeet Aradhana Dance & Music Academy, Berhampur, presented Sambalpuri dance; MJ Virus Dance Group presented modern dance; Lakshyamanjari Kala Kshetra presented Kuchipudi dance; Beat the Style Academy, Karapalli, presented classical dance; Berhampur Odissi Nrutyayan presented Bihu dance; Puri District Cultural Council presented Naga dance; Jitendra Bhoi and his troupe from Kalahandi presented Ghumura dance; and Mamta Bai, an international artist from Rajasthan, also presented Ghumura dance, among other performances.
A massive Pallishree Mela with around 250 stalls has been organised, showcasing products of Self-Help Groups, various industries, handicraft and handloom units, and local traders from across the country. For visitors, approximately 50 food stalls from different regions of Odisha have been set up, offering a wide variety of delicious cuisines.
