Balasore: Balasore is set to host the annual Golden Beach Festival in Chandipur from Thursday with a four-day cultural extravaganza.

Chandipur beach, bestowed with the natural gift of a sea receding for about 3km twice a day, has always been a major tourist destination in the state. The beach festival uses its pull as a tourist destination to attract more visitors.

The fest at Chandipur-on-sea will witness cultural programmes on each evening by artistes from Odisha and other states. The local defence units, mainly the Proof and Experimental Establishment and the Integrated Test Range, have evinced interest in putting up their kiosks to showcase their guns, artilleries and missiles.

"There will be cultural events every evening. Troupes sponsored by the Eastern Zone Cultural Centre, as well as the state culture department, will be performing," said beach festival committee secretary Biplab Mohanty.

"Besides, local artistes would get the opportunity to showcase their talent. The other attraction will be parasailing on the beach and rafting in the sea," he said.

Dance troupes will perform, among others, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Chhau, Ranapa, Kathak, Ghumar and Bihu, apart from Odissi and Sambalpuri.

"For the hotel industry, winter is a good business season and booking goes almost full during this period. Tourist inflow is very high during the beach festival," said Mohammad Alam, a hotelier in Chandipur. "This year, also, the response is encouraging."

"The Chandipur beach has got a boost after the government developed its infrastructure under the tourist circuit development programme. It has beautified the beach," said district tourist officer Ajay Mohapatra.