Third Evening of Gopalpur Beach Festival-2026
Bureau,Odishabarta
Ganjam First to Rise for Odisha’s Language and Culture: Speaker Smt Surama Padhi
Grand Festival Possible Only Under Double-Engine Government: Health Minister Dr Mahaling
Gopalpur Beach Festival should be in Tourism Calendar: MLA cum Cinestar Siddhanta Mohapatra
Odia Cine Stars Enthrall Gopalpur Audience
Gopalpur,( 29.01.26:On the third evening of the Gopalpur Beach Festival today, the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Smt. Surama Padhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the cultural programmes.
Addressing the gathering of lakhs, Smt. Padhi said that whenever there has been an attack on the language and culture of Odisha, the first voice of struggle has always emerged from the land of Ganjam. She expressed confidence that Ganjam will continue to play a leading role in the vision of Developed India – Developed Odisha.
Recalling that she has witnessed the festival since its initial years, the Chief Guest said that today’s sea worship, the grandeur of the stage, the cultural programmes and the sea of people had deeply overwhelmed her. She added that the stage dedicated in the name of Raja Ramachandra Mardaraj, the pride of Ganjam and glory of Odisha, has successfully showcased the rich culture of Lord Jagannath along with artistic performances from different regions of the state and the country.
She also emphasized that beaches are essential to human lifestyle and stated that it is the collective responsibility of all to ensure that Odisha’s beaches remain clean and well maintained.
Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said that the divine and magnificent experience of worshipping the Lord and deities on the shores of the Gopalpur sea, along with the divine arrival of Lord Kachchhapa, cannot be described in words. He remarked that the festival not only showcases Odisha’s art, literature and culture, but also reflects the beauty and prosperity of the state. He further stated that such a grand festival is possible only under a double-engine government.
The chief architect of the festival and Minister for Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines, Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, expressed hope that with the cooperation of all, the festival would be transformed into a unique global event in the coming days.
Digapahandi MLA and renowned artist Dr. Siddhanta Mahapatra suggested that the Gopalpur Beach Festival should be included in the Tourism Calendar so that it can gain wider outreach and attract more tourists to the region.
Bhanjanagar MLA Shri Pradyumna Nayak stated that what was once considered a day-long event has now transformed into a massive festival this year. He attributed this achievement to the blessings of the presiding deities of Ganjam, the efforts of Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and the district administration.
Among others present were State Child Protection Commission Chairperson Smt. Babita Patra, Chairman of Gopalpur Notified Area Council Shri A. Janakiram, Southern Revenue Commissioner and researcher Shri Sangram Keshari Mahapatra, Southern Range IG of Police Shri Niti Keshar, Ganjam Collector Shri V. Keerthi Vasan, and Superintendent of Police, Ganjam Shri Shubhendu Patra.
Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Shri Debadatta Panda delivered the welcome address, while Shri Mahapatra proposed the vote of thanks.
Leading actors and actresses of the Odia film industry including Siddhanta Mahapatra, Arindam Roy, Buddhaditya Mohanty, Ushasi Mishra, Sritam Das, Pupinder Singh, Satyajit Pradhan, Pragnan Ranjan Khatuwa, Shankar Pradhan, and Sheetal Patra, enthralled the audience with their captivating performances of acting, dance and music till late night.
Cultural troupes such as Utkalika Dance Institute, Soul Dance Academy, Lalit Cultural Academy, JDT Dance Academy, Aradhya Dance Academy, Rockstar Dance Academy, Kalanjali Artistry, Pratima Rath & Troupe (Koraput), Bonkopou Cultural Group (Assam), Dhol Mahuri Kala Parishad (Balangir), Veena Pani Rupchand Chhau Dance Group (West Bengal), MEM Entertainment, and Chendamelam folk dance troupe mesmerized the audience.
On this occasion, distinguished personalities from various fields who have brought pride to Ganjam district, as well as athletes who achieved success in beach sports, were felicitated by the dignitaries.
Saurav Pradhan
District Information & Public Relations Officer,
Ganjam
