Nabakalebar 2015 to be promoted as international tourism event

The Tourism Ministry in coordination with the Petroleum Ministry will observe the ‘Nabakalebar Rath Yatra’ in Odisha as an international tourism event this year and take several measures for its global branding and promotion.

The 2015 Rath Yatra has been named Nabakalebar Rath Yatra as this comes after 19 years.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a review meeting with Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma which was attended by Secretaries of Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

It was decided that the Ministry of Culture will bring out Coffee Table Book and also make special documentary on the Rath Yatra. Coins and stamps will also be issued to commemorate the yatra. The 2015 Rath Yatra has been named Nabakalebar Rath Yatra as this comes after 19 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Petroleum Minister Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan informed that detailed discussions were held for making smooth arrangements for the event. Lakhs of people would be visiting the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra and Government is committed to making glitch free arrangements for the event.

Mr. Pradhan said that all the stakeholders including Odisha State Tourism, Tourist guides, hospitality industry people, travel industry and the Culture & Tourism Ministry of the Government of India will make consolidated efforts to promote this even an international tourism event.

Tourism Minister Dr. Mahesh Sharma informed that his Ministry was making efforts to utilise the 450-km long Odisha coastal belt for promoting tourism. He informed that discussions revolved around making suitable arrangements to make this a memorable event.