Gopalpur: The much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026 commenced on Tuesday with grand inaugural ceremony filled with cultural vibrancy, reaffirming Odisha’s rich maritime heritage.
Inaugurating the evening programme as Chief Guest, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati highlighted that Gopalpur is not merely a beach destination but a place where history merges with the present. He recalled the legacy of the brave Sadhabas of ancient Kalinga, who crossed vast seas to promote trade and spread culture, and emphasized that Odisha has always been deeply connected with global outlook, self-confidence and progressive thinking. The 4-day festival on the Gopalpur beach is underway from January 27 to 30 in Ganjam district.
The Governor further stated that as India moves towards sustainable and inclusive growth, coastal regions like Gopalpur will not only promote tourism but also strengthen the local economy.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan described the festival as one of Odisha’s finest, underscoring Ganjam’s leading position in art, literature, culture and music.
Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said this year’s festival has been organized with India’s finest art, culture, beach sports, Pallishree Mela and food festival to attract tourists from across the country and abroad, positioning Gopalpur as a global coastal tourism destination.
The event began with a torch procession was carried out simultaneously from Maa Taratarini Temple (Purushottampur), Maa Balakumari Temple (Chikiti), and Maa Kulada Devi Temple (Bhanjanagar). The processions converged at Narayanpur village, from where a grand procession with Naam Sankirtan proceeded to Gopalpur Beach under the leadership of Minister Jena. Saints from Varanasi performed a unique Sea Aarti at the beach — a first-of-its-kind in Odisha — marking the auspicious inauguration of the festival.
The cultural stage was dedicated to Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja. The evening’s Star Nights programme featured captivating performances by B Praak, Kuldeep Pattnaik, Shashwat Joshi, Ananya Das and local artists, enthralling the audience. At Narendrapur Kalabikash Kendra in Badakushasthali, the cultural programme began with traditional Ranapa dance. Performances across venues showcased Odisha’s diverse cultural heritage: Odissi dance by Chhatrapur Kalabikash Kendra, Sambalpuri dance by Sangeet Aradhana Academy, modern dance by MJ Virus Group, Kuchipudi by Lakshyamanjari Kala Kshetra, classical dance by Beat the Style Academy, Bihu by Berhampur Odissi Nrutyayan, Naga dance by Puri District Cultural Council and Ghumura dances by Jitendra Bhoi’s troupe from Kalahandi as well as Mamta Bai from Rajasthan.
A Pallishree Mela with around 250 stalls has been set up, showcasing products from Self Help Groups, industries, handicraft and handloom units and traders from across the country. Additionally, nearly 50 food stalls are offering a wide variety of cuisines from different regions of Odisha, making the festival a true celebration of culture, tradition, and community spirit.
