Second Evening of Gopalpur Beach Festival

Gopalpur Festival one of finest festivals in country: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari

Only soil of Ganjam can host such a unique and magnificent festival: Minister Shri Krushna Chandra Patra

A splendid confluence of local and national folk dances along with musical performances by Maithali Thakur, Sohini Mishra, Rahul Sipligunj and Shashank Shekhar

Chhatrapur, Jan 2026 : On the second evening of the Gopalpur Beach Festival today, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari attended the programme as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the evening cultural programme.

Shri Pujhari said that he has many memories associated with Gopalpur Beach and Ganjam district. The massive protest meeting held in front of Khallikote College many years ago still remains vivid in his memory. The festival, which could not be organised for the last two years, has once again been revived today due to the sincere efforts of all concerned. He said that he has witnessed many festivals across Odisha and outside Odisha, but after witnessing today’s sea aarti and other arrangements, he can confidently say that the Gopalpur Festival is one of the finest festivals in the country.

He further stated that the blend of cultural beauty against the backdrop of marine beauty has deeply impressed him. He said that Ganjam district is not only rich in art, literature and culture, but is also the land of valour, courage and struggle. He expressed hope that the soil of Ganjam will once again give birth to brave sons who are needed for building modern Odisha, and that Ganjam will emerge as a key driver in shaping a new and empowered Odisha.

The Minister also appreciated the exhibition by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard.

Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology Minister Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, while addressing the gathering, said that Ganjam is a sacred land of art and culture. Only the soil of Ganjam can organise such a unique and unparalleled festival. There is no doubt that festivals like this will lead to the resurgence of art, literature and culture in the district. Through various examples, he also highlighted Atmanirbhar Bharat, Operation Sindoor and the achievements of DRDO scientists. He said that no one can stop India from becoming a powerful nation in the coming future.

The Chief Architect of the festival and Minister for Commerce & Transport and Steel & Mines Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said that the devotional sea aarti performed by priests from Varanasi has become the biggest attraction for visitors. He added that electronic, print and social media have taken the festival to every corner of the world and therefore deserve appreciation.

Chhatrapur MLA Shri Krushna Chandra Nayak, Berhampur Municipal Corporation Mayor Smt. Sanghamitra Dalei, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Smt. Anjali Swain, and Gopalpur NAC Chairman Shri A. Janaki Ram, among others, attended the programme as distinguished guests.
Amidst the soothing sea breeze and waves, the audience was enthralled by the melodious voices and rhythmic performances of nationally renowned singers Maithali Thakur, Sohini Mishra, Rahul Sipligunj and Shashank Shekhar.

Today’s stage was dedicated in the name of Kabisurya Baladev Rath.

Odissi, Kalbelia (Rajasthan), modern dance, tribal dance, Kathapada Navadurga, Lavani (Maharashtra), Bollywood freestyle, animal-mask dance, Sambalpuri dance, Mallakhamb, Bihu (Assam), Ghumar Chakri Kalbelia and various other folk dance forms mesmerised the audience.
Ganjam Collector Shri V. Keerthi Vasan, Superintendent of Police Shri Shubhendu Patra, BMC Commissioner Shri Prathamesh Arvind Rajsirke and Berhampur Sub-Collector Shri Abinash Kumar efficiently supervised all arrangements and expressed gratitude for cooperation. Additional District Magistrate Shri Pramod Kumar Prusti delivered the welcome address.

Saurav Pradhan