Brahmapur/Gopalpur: Highlighting Odisha’s deep maritime roots and its evolving role in sustainable development, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday said that Gopalpur is more than a scenic beach destination—it is a confluence of history, culture and progress. Inaugurating the evening programme of the Gopalpur Beach Festival as Chief Guest, the Governor said Odisha’s coastline symbolises livelihood, aspiration and a global outlook shaped by the legacy of the ancient Sadhabas of Kalinga, who once sailed across seas to promote trade and spread the state’s culture and values.
As India advances towards inclusive and sustainable growth, Dr. Kambhampati noted that coastal regions like Gopalpur will play a vital role in building a stable and prosperous future. He added that festivals of this nature not only promote tourism but also strengthen the local economy by showcasing the region’s cultural and economic potential.
Addressing the gathering, Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan described the Gopalpur Beach Festival as one of Odisha’s finest cultural celebrations, stating that Ganjam district occupies a leading position in the fields of art, literature, culture and music.
Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said the much-awaited festival this year has been curated with a rich blend of India’s finest art and culture, beach sports, Pallishree Mela and a food festival. He said the initiative aims to attract tourists not only from Odisha but from across the country and abroad, thereby positioning Gopalpur as a globally recognised coastal tourism destination.
The inaugural programme was attended by Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Shri Gokulananda Mallik; Khalikote MLA Purnachandra Sethi; Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi; Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak; Gopalpur NAC Chairperson A. Janaki Rao; Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik; IG Nitin Keshar; District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan; Ganjam SP Shubendu Kumar Patra; and Berhampur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajasirke, among other distinguished guests, who lauded the festival’s scale and cultural richness.
The cultural stage for the day was dedicated to Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, paying tribute to Odisha’s literary heritage. Administrative arrangements and coordination of the festival were efficiently managed by Additional District Magistrate Dr. Pramod Kumar Prusti, along with senior officials including Devadatta Panda, Sunil Kerketa, Berhampur Sub-Collector Abinash Kumar, Chhatrapur Sub-Collector Shubhashish Baral and Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Umashankar Behera.
The festival began on a spiritual note in the morning with torch processions simultaneously starting from Maa Taratarini Temple (Purushottampur), Maa Balakumari Temple (Chikiti) and Maa Kulada Devi Temple near Bhanjanagar. The processions converged near Narayanpur village and proceeded to Gopalpur Beach with Naam Sankirtan under the leadership of Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. Saints from Varanasi performed a Sea Aarti at the beach—virtually for the first time in Odisha—marking the auspicious inauguration of the festival.
The Star Nights programme witnessed electrifying performances by B Praak, Kuldeep Pattnaik, Shashwat Joshi, Ananya Das and local artists, who enthralled the audience. Cultural events were also held at Narendrapur Kalabikash Kendra in Badakushasthali, inaugurated with traditional Ranapa dance performances.
A vibrant lineup of folk and classical performances followed, including Odissi, Sambalpuri, Kuchipudi, Bihu, Naga and Ghumura dances, presented by cultural troupes from across Odisha and beyond. Notably, Mamta Bai, an international artist from Rajasthan, also presented Ghumura dance, adding a national flavour to the celebrations.
Adding to the festive spirit, a massive Pallishree Mela featuring around 250 stalls has been organised, showcasing products from Self Help Groups, industries, handicraft and handloom units, and traders from across the country. Nearly 50 food stalls offering diverse Odia cuisines have also been set up, making the Gopalpur Beach Festival a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine and coastal heritage.
