Bhubaneswar: Gopalpur Beach Festival in Odisha’s Ganjam district is likely to kick off on January 25.

The district administration today held the first preparatory meeting for the beach festival. The festival is likely to be held for four days this year, sources said.

“The beach festival is likely to begin on January 25 and continue till January 28. We will take decision regarding the final schedule of the festival later,” said Ganjam Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida.

Several cultural troupes from Ganjam and other districts of Odisha will perform at the festival. Artisans and members of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will display their products at a Pallishree Mela during the four-day beach carnival, added the Collector.

The district administration will deploy adequate number of security personnel at Gopalpur for smooth conduct of the festival.

“There will be parking and toilet facilities for visitors to the festival. The entire festival will be under CCTV camera surveillance. If required, we will mobilize security personnel from other districts for this festival,” said Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Saravana Vivek.

There will be adequate space in between the stalls to avoid fire mishaps, he added.

Senior officials of Ganjam district administration were present at the meeting.