Bhubaneswar, Jan 28: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati officially inaugurated the much-anticipated Gopalpur Beach Festival, marking the beginning of a grand celebration in the coastal town. The event saw a star-studded presence of several prominent dignitaries, including key state ministers.

Among the dignitaries present were Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Minister Gokulananda Mallick.

The inaugural ceremony also featured the participation of Khalikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethy, Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi, Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak, Gopalpur NAC Chairperson A. Janaki Ram, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, and several senior administrative officers, including IG Niti Shekhar, Ganjam District Collector Keerthi Vasan V, and Ganjam Superintendent of Police Suvendu Kumar Patra.

The event’s smooth execution was made possible through the dedicated efforts of officials like Additional District Magistrate Dr. Pramod Kumar Prusty, Debadutta Panda, Sunil Kumar Kerketta, and Sub-Collectors Avinash Kumar, Sibasish Baral, and Uma Shankar Behera, who ensured the effective coordination of the festival's various programs.

The evening also saw spectacular performances by some of India's most celebrated artists, including B Praak, Kuldeep Pattnaik, Shashwat Joshi, Ananya Das, and local talents who left the audience mesmerized. The cultural program kicked off with the traditional Ranapa dance, followed by diverse regional performances across various dance forms.

At the Narendrapur Kalabikash Kendra in Badakushasthali, the festivities included Odissi, Sambalpuri, and modern dance performances. Other highlights included Kuchipudi dance by Lakshyamanjari Kala Kshetra, classical dance by Beat the Style Academy, Bihu dance by Berhampur Odissi Nrutyayan, Naga dance by the Puri District Cultural Council, and Ghumura dance performed by Jitendra Bhoi and his troupe from Kalahandi, as well as international artist Mamta Bai from Rajasthan.

The Gopalpur Beach Festival promises to be an exciting showcase of Odisha's rich cultural heritage, bringing together art, music, and dance against the scenic backdrop of the state's pristine coastline.