Gopalpur beach fest inaugurated by governor, showcasing Odisha's culture and tourism

Berhampur: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati inaugurated the Gopalpur beach festival at Gopalpur-on-Sea in Ganjam district on Tuesday.Several people, mainly from Berhampur and nearby villages, thronged the seaside town on the inaugural day of the festival, which is being held amid tight security. Before the inauguration, torches brought from Maa Tara Tarini Temple near Purushottampur, Maa Balakumari Temple near Chikiti and Baghdevi Temple in Kulada were received by the governor. ‘Samudra alati’ (sea worship) was also performed to invoke sea’s blessing for prosperity, safety and protection from natural disasters.Several folk, classical and modern dances will be presented by different groups from across the state and outside during the festival, which will continue till Jan 30. CM Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to attend the closing night festivities.“With an aim to promote Gopalpur as a major tourist hub in the country, the beach festival is organised every year. This time the festival has brought together religious, cultural and modern values,” said Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, commerce and transport minister and chairman of the organising committee.“It is a platform for local and budding artists and to promote Odisha’s culture and traditional folk arts,” he added.Pallishree Mela and Meena Bazar have been opened near the festival site for visitors. Around 15 platoons of forces and 100 police officers were deployed, while several closed-circuit television cameras were installed to keep vigil, police said.