Brahmapur,(Omkar Priyadarshni Pradhan): The much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival was inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, who said that Gopalpur is not merely a beach destination but a place where history merges with the present and tradition walks hand in hand with progress. He remarked that Odisha’s coastline is not just a physical boundary but a symbol of livelihood and aspiration.
Recalling the legacy of the brave Sadhabas of ancient Kalinga, the Governor said they crossed vast seas and played a vital role in trade while spreading Odisha’s culture and values across regions. He emphasized that Odisha has always been deeply connected with global outlook, self-confidence and progressive thinking. As India moves towards sustainable and inclusive growth, coastal regions like Gopalpur will play a crucial role in shaping a stable and prosperous future. The Governor formally inaugurated the festival as the Chief Guest and expressed confidence that the event would promote tourism and strengthen the local economy.
Speaking on the occasion, Law, Works and Excise Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan said that the Gopalpur Beach Festival is one of the finest festivals of Odisha. He highlighted that in the fields of art, literature, culture and music, Ganjam district holds a leading position in the state.
Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the chief guide of the festival, said that this year the festival has been organized with India’s finest art and cultural performances, along with beach sports, Pallishree Mela and Food Festival, to attract tourists not only from Odisha but from across the country and abroad. He added that this initiative would establish Gopalpur as a globally recognized coastal tourism destination, describing the beach as having transformed into a “tsunami of beauty.”
Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Shri Gokulananda Mallik spoke about the social and historical background of Ganjam and Gopalpur, highlighting their cultural significance.
Khalikote MLA Shri Purnachandra Sethi, Sorada MLA Shri Nilamani Bisoyi, Kabisuryanagar MLA Shri Pratap Chandra Nayak, Gopalpur NAC Chairperson Shri A. Janaki Rao, Padma Shri Sudarshan Pattnaik, Southern Range IG Shri Nitin Keshar, District Collector Shri V. Keerthi Vasan, Ganjam Superintendent of Police Shri Shubendu Kumar Patra, and Berhampur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shri Prathamesh Arvind Rajasirke attended the programme as distinguished guests.
The inaugural cultural stage was dedicated in the name of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja.
The overall coordination and management of the festival were carried out by Additional District Magistrate Dr. Pramod Kumar Prusti, along with Shri Devadatta Panda, Shri Sunil Kerketa, Berhampur Sub-Collector Shri Abinash Kumar, Chhatrapur Sub-Collector Shri Shubhashish Baral, and Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Shri Umashankar Behera.
Earlier in the morning, a torch procession commenced simultaneously from the famous Shakti Peeth Maa Taratarini Temple, Maa Balakumari Temple at Chikiti, and Maa Kulada Devi Temple near Bhanjanagar. The processions converged at Narayanpur village, from where, under the leadership of Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, a grand procession with Naam Sankirtan proceeded to the festival venue at Gopalpur Beach. There, saints from Varanasi performed a unique Sea Aarti, virtually for the first time in Odisha, marking the auspicious inauguration of the festival.
During the Star Nights programme, Bollywood singer B Praak, Ollywood singer Kuldeep Pattnaik, Shashwat Joshi, Ananya Das, along with local artists, enthralled the audience with vibrant cultural performances.
The cultural programme began with Ranapa dance by artists of Narendrapur Kalabikash Kendra. Performances included Odissi dance by Chhatrapur Kalabikash Kendra, Sambalpuri dance by Sangeet Aradhana Dance & Music Academy, Berhampur, modern dance by MJ Virus Dance Group, Kuchipudi dance by Lakshyamanjari Kala Kshetra, classical dance by Beat the Style Academy, Karapalli, Bihu dance by Berhampur Odissi Nrutyayan, Naga dance by Puri District Cultural Council, Ghumura dance by Jitendra Bhoi and troupe from Kalahandi, and Ghumura dance by international artist Mamta Bai from Rajasthan, among others.
A grand Pallishree Mela comprising around 250 stalls has been organized, showcasing products from Self Help Groups, industries, handicraft and handloom units, and local traders from across the country. Additionally, around 50 food stalls featuring a wide range of traditional and regional cuisines from different parts of Odisha have been set up for visitors. On this occasion, distinguished personalities from Ganjam district were also felicitated for their remarkable contributions in various fields.
