Immerse yourself in the dynamic tapestry of Indian culture, a spectacle unfolding on the pristine shores of Puri Beach! The Puri Beach Festival beckons with its irresistible blend of joy, vibrancy, and entertainment – an event that demands your presence. If scepticism lingers about the festivity's lively ambiance, envision yourself on the beach, embracing the gentle caress of the wind and the rhythmic melody of rejuvenating waves.
Spanning over 5-7 enchanting days, this annual extravaganza usually takes place in the picturesque month of November, promising a coastal celebration like no other. Don't let this coastal carnival elude your senses – mark your calendar for a rendezvous with cultural splendour!
History of Puri Beach Festival
It was on October 29, 1993, that the very first Puri Beach Festival was inaugurated by Late Sri Biju Pattanaik who was also among one of the leaders of the state along with Mr. Gulam Nabi Azad, the Union Minister for tourism at that time. It is majorly organized by the Hotel Association of Puri (HAP) along with the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Tourism and culture, etc.
Major Attractions of Puri Beach Festival
This festival takes place in the coastal city of Puri which was a hidden gem for a long time, but, owing to the Puri Beach Festival, it has gained a lot of exposure in terms of being a travel-worthy tourist destination of Odisha.
Essentially, this festival is all about celebrating the spirit of art, craft, culture, sports, cuisines, etc. It is in this festival where a diverse range of folk dances of Odisha as well as other states are performed. There is also an exhibition of some really brilliant and beautiful handloom products which mainly consists of Pata Sari and Pattichitra Sari. These are essentially placed for the visitors.
Apart from that, the sand art made by skilled artists only adds to the overall charm of this festival. Overall, this festival offers a simply majestic experience to tourists and locals alike. And due to this, it always remains in high demand and witnesses full attendance when the celebration times come.
How to Reach Puri
Puri is a city located in Orissa. It is a place that is all about exploring the religious fervor which India has to offer. Puri is located at an approximate distance of 1,700, 1,458, 1,785, and 495 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata respectively. Let’s discuss how we can reach this place via the following routes.
By Air
If you are planning to reach Puri via flights then your best option would be Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI). This airport is located at an approximate distance of 50-60 km from Puri.
Also known to many as Bhubaneshwar airport, it is the primary airport of this region serving Odisha and other nearby districts. The connectivity from Bhubaneshwar Railway Station to this airport is fairly good as it is situated 4km (approximate) south-west of the airport.
Various airlines like Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and Go Air operate to and fro Puri connecting it to cities like Delhi, Lucknow. As you deboard at this airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance via some means of public transportation like a cab or a bus.
By Road
Puri is fairly well connected to many nearby cities via well-maintained road networks. From Coimbatore, you will need to cover a total distance of 1,740 km via NH16, from Mumbai you will need to cover a total distance of 1,797 km via NH53 or NH16. From Ahemadabad, you will need to cover a total distance of 1,782 km (approx) via NH47, NH57, or NH53.
Apart from that, you can also rely on travelling via interstate buses. From Visakhapatnam, it will take you 6- 14 hours costing you around Rs.300-600. From Ranchi, it will take you a time frame of around 10-14 hours which will cost you somewhere between Rs.500-600.
By Train
To reach Puri via train, your best bet would be Puri Railway Station. Some major trains that operate to and fro from this station are Indore Humsafar Express, Howrah Garib Rath Express, Howrah Shatabdi Express, Sealdah Duronto Express, and Yesvantpur Garib Rath Express.
From Delhi, you will need to board Nandan Kanan Express, Purshottam Express via Anand Vihar Terminal and New Delhi Railway Station respectively. From Visakhapatnam, you will need to take TPTY Puri Express via Visakhapatnam Junction. From Ranchi, you can take Tapa Swini Express from Hatia railway station.
Conclusion
The Puri Beach Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural tapestry of India. With its enticing blend of entertainment, fun, and coastal charm, this annual event is a must-visit for those seeking a lively and rejuvenating experience. Marking moments of joy and cultural celebration, the festival leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts of attendees, fostering a connection with the dynamic spirit of Orissa's coastal heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Puri Beach Festival
Q1.When is the Puri Beach Festival held?
A1. The Puri Beach Festival is typically held for a duration of 5-7 days in the month of November. However, specific dates for each year are announced closer to the event.
Q2. What can visitors expect at the Puri Beach Festival?
A2. Visitors can anticipate a vibrant mix of cultural performances, entertainment, and beachside festivities. The event showcases traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, and a variety of engaging activities.
Q3. How long has the Puri Beach Festival been celebrated?
A3. The festival has been an annual celebration for several years, drawing both locals and tourists to experience the unique blend of cultural expressions against the scenic backdrop of Puri Beach.
Q4. Are there any entrance fees for the Puri Beach Festival?
A4. Entrance to the festival is usually free for attendees, allowing a diverse audience to participate and enjoy the festivities on the beach.
Q5. Is there accommodation available near Puri Beach during the festival?
A5. Yes, Puri offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses, providing visitors with convenient stays in proximity to the festival venue. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during the festival period.