Gopalpur Beach Fest called off

BERHAMPUR: The Gopalpur Beach Festival-2012 has been cancelled. The festival, the biggest event in the cultural calendar of Ganjam district, has come as a huge disappointment for the artistes, businessmen and public alike. The cultural extravaganza, the brainchild of Ganjam District Hotel Association (GDHA), had to be called off after the event organiser backed out at the last minute. Discouraging bookings of the exhibition stalls by government and private agencies, inability of the event management firm ‘Celebration’ and withdrawal of sponsors for Bollywood and Olllywood artistes, who were scheduled to perform during the festival, have cast its shadow over the festival, stated a release of the GDHA.To make the event a success this year too the elected representatives took lead and the preparatory meetings were held. Meanwhile, due to poll Code the elected representatives refrained from the festival. However, the district administration asked GDHA to go ahead as the State Election Commission accorded permission. Accordingly, GDHA entrusted the responsibility to an event management firm. The firm promised to make it an attractive affair by roping in Bollywood and Ollywood actors. While the preparations were on, on January 7 the firm in writing requested the GDHA to defer the festival due to circumstances beyond its control. With hardly three days to go, the GDHA had no option but to postpone the festival indefinitely. The festival not only proved to be a good platform for the artistes and tourists but also opened avenues for big and small businessmen at Gopalpur-on-sea. Since they did a brisk business every year, this time too they had dumped stocks much in advance but the uncertainty has left many of them panicky. Many who had borrowed money to purchase the materials are now worried about repayment.