The much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival kicked off on Monday evening with a blend of tradition, culture, and modernity, drawing large crowds to the serene shores of this historic coastal town in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
Inaugurating the festival as Chief Guest, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasised Gopalpur’s unique significance. “Gopalpur is not merely an attractive beach destination; it is a place where history merges with the present and tradition moves forward hand in hand with progress,” he said. Highlighting Odisha’s ancient maritime heritage, the Governor noted the role of Kalinga’s brave Sadhabas in global trade and cultural exchange. “Odisha has always been deeply connected with a global outlook, self-confidence, and progressive thinking.”
The festival began with a unique highlight—a Sea Aarti performed by saints from Varanasi, believed to be the first of its kind in Odisha. Earlier in the day, torch processions started simultaneously from Maa Taratarini Temple (Purushottampur), Maa Balakumari Temple (Chikiti), and Maa Kulada Devi Temple near Bhanjanagar. The processions converged near Narayanpur village, proceeding to Gopalpur Beach amid Naam Sankirtan, led by Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.
The evening’s cultural program, dedicated to Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, featured electrifying performances that enthralled the audience. Bollywood singer B Praak, Ollywood artist Kuldeep Pattnaik, and renowned Odissi dance guru Sashwat Joshi headlined the Star Nights segment, alongside Ananya Das and local artists. Other highlights included Ranapa dance, Sambalpuri dance, Kuchipudi, modern dance, Bihu, Naga dance, and Ghumura performances by troupes from across Odisha and Rajasthan.
Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena described the festival as a grand showcase of India’s finest art, culture, beach sports, Pallishree Mela, and Food Festival, aimed at positioning Gopalpur as a global coastal tourism destination. Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan called it one of Odisha’s finest festivals, praising Ganjam’s leadership in art, literature, and music.
A massive Pallishree Mela with around 250 stalls features products from Self Help Groups, handicrafts, handlooms, and traders nationwide. Visitors can also enjoy diverse Odia cuisines at approximately 50 food stalls.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, MLAs from the region, Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik, and senior officials.
