For attracting more overseas tourists, researchers, archaeologists and historians to the Potagada Fort, a 350-year-old heritage site, on the mouth of river Rushikullya in Ganjam town, a two-day ‘Potagada Mahotsav’ was held on February 3 and 4 for the first time.
According to locals, the event is the brainchild of former Deputy Speaker of Assembly and BJD leader Rama Chandra Panda. It is a strongly built earthen rampart of about 15 feet high, 92 metres long and 19 metres wide.
Ganjam Collector Vijaya Amruta Kulang as chief guest inaugurated the fest in presence of District Cultural Officer Sukur Swain, Unit Head of M/s Grasim Industries Limited Shashank Sekhar Pareek and Gopalpur Port Director MM Maharana.
Addressing the gathering, Panda said the core objective of organising the event is to make the heritage fort a hot tourist hub of the world. Panda also hailed the efforts and support provided by the State Government and more particularly by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
On the second day, Chatrapur MLA Dr Priyanshu Pradhan graced as chief guest. Among others, Superintendent of Archeology, Odisha, Sanghamitra Satapathy, SE (PWD) Brahmapur, Binod Kumar Padhy, DCO Ganjam Sukuru Swain and former Chairman, Ganjam NAC Brundaban Pallai were present.
Later in the evening folk dances were performed. Playback singer Sasmita Mishra impressed the audience.
Notably, TJ Maltby, who was a civil servant in Madras presidency, had mentioned about the fort in his “Ganjam District Manual” in 1900.