The popular and much awaited Gopalpur Sea Beach festival will be held in the famous beach resort town at Gopalpur on Sea, 15 km from here from December 24 to 28, informed Ganjam Collector Dibyas Jyoti Parida.

Notably, the festival will be held after a gap of two years. A preparatory meeting was organised by the district administration at Gopalpur which was presided over by the Ganjam district Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida.  A detailed road map was prepared to organise the event.

Simultaneously, the ORMAS is also likely to organise the national level “Palishree Mela” during the fest. In the Mela various women SHGs will showcase their products. Besides cultural programmes by eminent artists will be performed every evening to attract the visitors and tourists, sources said.

Collector Parida has reportedly instructed all the departments and stakeholders to prepare a blue print specifying the  various requirements including sanitation, law and order arrangement, repair and renovation of key roads for smooth communication, proper identification and  selection of artists, musicians and other cultural groups and provision for their proper accommodation during the fest.

Since last few years, the Ganjam District Hotel Owners’ Association has been demanding before the district administration to hold the crucial sea beach fest  during Makara Sankranti (January 2nd  week)  which falls in the second week of January instead of December, which  unfortunately go unheeded, sources said.   

The Culture Department will reportedly contribute the lion’s share while the rest will be collected from sponsors. Many Cabinet rank Ministers, high profile politicians, renowned artists, a barrel of dignitaries and nearly five lakh visitors are expected to witness the five-day long mega fest.