Balasore, Jan. 7: The four-day-long Golden Beach Festival at Chandipur-on-sea kicked off today with an 11-km torch rally led by Guinness World Record holder Major Nitin Joshi.

Major Joshi ran from Fakir Mohan roundabout to Chandipur beach, the spot where a statue of former president APJ Abdul Kalam will be unveiled on the occasion.

After garlanding the statue of litterateur Fakir Mohan Senapati, he started his run followed by a cycle rally.

Major Joshi, known as Ice Man, Iron Man as well as Gujarat's Milkha Singh, said: "The marathon's objective was to promote national integration and encourage youths to join the Indian Army and above all, popularise the unique Chandipur beach."

"The army transforms a common man into a gentleman and a gentleman into superman," he said.

This is the 18th year of the beach festival, which is organised with the support of the district administration and state government. The local defence units, mainly Proof and Experimental Establishment and Integrated Test Range, have put up their stalls for showcasing their guns, artilleries and missiles in the exhibition.

Beach festival committee secretary Bismoy Mohanty said: "There would be cultural events every evening. The troupes sponsored by the Eastern Zone Cultural Centre as well as the state cultural department will be performing here. Individual artistes and groups will also stage their performances. On the concluding day, there will be an attractive fireworks show."

The dances in the cultural show will include Chhau, Ranapa, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Ghumar, Bihu and animal dance besides Odissi and Sambalpuri .

Chandipur beach is famous for its unique features - the sea recedes about 3 km twice a day and flat surface. The beach festival is held every year with an objective to draw more tourists.