Chilika Mahotsav begins at Satapada

Odisha government on Friday organized the Chilika Mahotsav, a two-day cultural programme at Satapada in Puri district to tap the tourism potential of Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia.

The first of its kind event is being jointly organized by the tourism department and the Chilika Development Authority (CDA).

The inaugural day kicked off with boat racing. Around 200 boat owners took part in the water sport.

“Puri has all along been the focus of tourism development. Though several festivals are being organized in Puri, we thought of organizing a festival at Satapada,” a tourism department officer said. “We hope the festival would attract more tourists to Chilika,” he added.

“The festival also showcases maritime tradition, art, craft, dance and culture of Odisha. We have set up a photo exhibition highlighting the flora and fauna of the brackish water lagoon,” CDA chief executive Ajit Pattnaik said.