“Gopalpur Festival is a beautiful confluence of history, tradition, culture and nature” – Chief Minister
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Editor-in-Chief
Gopalpur-On-Sea,(30 January 2026):The Gopalpur Festival is a beautiful confluence of history, tradition, culture and nature. Through this festival, we celebrate the uniqueness of Odisha, the pride of Ganjam and the living heritage of our culture, said Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today while addressing the valedictory ceremony of the Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026.
Notably, The festival, held from January 27 to 30, blended Odisha’s rich history, tradition, culture, and natural beauty, as highlighted by the Chief Minister. He described it as a harmonious convergence that showcases the state’s uniqueness, Ganjam’s pride, and the vibrant legacy of Odia heritage.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister dedicated various developmental projects worth over Rs 492 crore for the district. This included the inauguration of 15 projects worth more than Rs 50 crore and the foundation stone laying of 64 projects worth Rs 442 crore. These projects include several important initiatives such as health infrastructure, hostel facilities and road construction. Among these, development and beautification of Gopalpur Beach at an investment of Rs 32 crore is also included.
The Chief Minister further stated that the expansion and development of Gopalpur Port will be undertaken at an investment of Rs 16,554 crore. This will enhance the port’s cargo handling capacity to 50 million metric tonnes and ensure employment for 5,000 youths. He also said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has announced the establishment of a mega port at Bahuda with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore, which will further strengthen the port-based economy.
Paying tribute to the invaluable contribution of the Poet Laureate to Odia literature and culture, the Chief Minister directed the department to revive the prestigious ‘Upendra Bhanja Chair’ at Berhampur University. Though the chair had been established long ago, it had remained defunct for many years. He also announced that the birth anniversary of Upendra Bhanja will be celebrated as a State Festival from this year onwards. The Poet Laureate’s birth anniversary will be celebrated as a seven-day-long festival starting from 16 May, the Chief Minister said.
Participating in the valedictory evening, the Chief Minister first performed Samudra Aarti (sea worship). Later, while addressing the tourists and the people of Ganjam district, he said that Ganjam has always played a leading role in the fields of art, literature, culture and history of Odisha. Every corner of Ganjam district is rich with art, culture, dance and music. The festival organised here is a harmonious blend of art, culture and tourism. It is a source of livelihood for local people and offers immense opportunities for women self-help groups and youth. The festival has been providing a dignified platform to artists and artisans.
The Chief Minister thanked the people of Ganjam district for cleaning the major beaches of the district through the Beach Festival Cleanliness Walk and for conveying the message of “Clean Beaches, Beautiful Odisha” to the State.
He further said that Patisonpur Beach of the district securing the Blue Flag certification for the third consecutive time is a matter of pride for Odisha. Efforts are also underway to secure Blue Flag certification for Gopalpur and Nolia Nuagaon beaches, he added.
Highlighting the achievements under various government schemes in the district, the Chief Minister called upon the people to partner in building a prosperous Odisha while preserving culture and heritage.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister released the festival souvenir ‘Shamuka’, a coffee table book on Ganjam, and launched the Ganjam-360 App. As per names and Style preservation, and sustainable tourism in Odisha.
While addressing the gathering, Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Shri Gokulananda Mallik said that the Chief Minister has visited the district eight times so far, including today, for the development of art, culture and industry. He added that the Chief Minister has been making continuous efforts for the development of Odisha along with its art and culture.
Minister for Commerce & Transport and Steel & Mines Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena thanked the Chief Minister for accepting the invitation and attending the programme.
Khalikote MLA Shri Purnachandra Sethi, Aska MLA Shri Saroj Kumar Padhi, Chhatrapur MLA Shri Krushna Chandra Nayak, Kabisuryanagar MLA Shri Pratap Chandra Nayak and Digapahandi MLA Shri Siddhant Mohapatra were among those present.
District Collector Shri Keerthi Vasan V delivered the welcome address, and Berhampur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shrib Prathamesh Arvind Rajsirkhe proposed the vote of thanks.
