The Gopalpur Beach Festival, held from January 27 to 30, unfolded as a grand celebration of Odisha’s cultural richness, artistic traditions and coastal beauty, drawing large crowds and wide appreciation. Describing the festival as a vibrant confluence of history, heritage, culture and nature, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the event reflects Odisha’s unique identity, Ganjam’s pride and the timeless legacy of Odia civilisation.
The Chief Minister noted that festivals like Gopalpur Beach Festival not only preserve cultural traditions but also play a vital role in promoting tourism and strengthening the local economy.
₹492 Crore Development Push for Ganjam District
During the festival, CM Majhi announced development projects worth over ₹492 crore for Ganjam district. This included the inauguration of 15 projects valued at more than ₹50 crore and the foundation stone laying for 64 projects amounting to ₹442 crore. The projects span key sectors such as healthcare infrastructure, hostel construction, road connectivity, drinking water facilities and other essential public services aimed at improving grassroots development.
₹32 Crore for Gopalpur Beach Beautification
A major highlight of the announcements was the allocation of ₹32 crore for the beautification and upgradation of Gopalpur Beach. The initiative is aimed at enhancing tourist amenities, improving infrastructure, and positioning Gopalpur as a major coastal tourism destination while ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly development.
The Chief Minister also performed the traditional Samudra Aarti, symbolising Odisha’s deep spiritual and cultural bond with the sea.
Star-Studded Cultural Evenings Enthrall Audience
The festival came alive with mesmerising cultural performances by celebrated artists, adding glamour and musical richness to the four-day event. Renowned Bollywood singer Kailash Kher enthralled the audience with his soulful voice and powerful renditions, creating an electrifying atmosphere along the Gopalpur shoreline.
Popular Odia playback singer Ruturaj Mohanty captivated music lovers with his melodious performances, while acclaimed singer Barnali Hota added elegance and emotional depth with her expressive vocals. Their performances drew massive crowds and received thunderous applause, making the cultural evenings one of the most memorable highlights of the festival.
Cultural Launches and Digital Initiatives
On the occasion, CM Majhi released the festival souvenir ‘Shamuka’, a coffee table book showcasing Ganjam’s heritage, art and cultural journey. He also launched the ‘Ganjam-360’ mobile application, aimed at digitally promoting tourism, culture and development initiatives across the district.
As part of the cultural traditions associated with the festival, the Chief Minister performed the Samudra Aarti (sea worship), symbolising the deep cultural and spiritual connection between Odisha’s coastal communities and the sea.
Leaders and Officials Present
The event was attended by Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick and Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, along with MLAs Purna Chandra Sethi (Khalikote), Saroj Kumar Padhi (Askha), Krishna Chandra Nayak (Chatrapur), Pratap Chandra Nayak (Kabisooryanagar) and Siddhant Mahapatra (Digapahandi).
District Collector Kirtivasan V delivered the welcome address, while Brahmapur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajashirke proposed the vote of thanks.
A Blend of Culture, Development and Tourism
The Gopalpur Beach Festival once again highlighted the Odisha government’s commitment to integrated development, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. By combining large-scale infrastructure investments with vibrant cultural showcases and star performances, the festival reinforced Gopalpur’s position as a cultural and tourism hub of the state.
