Festival news

The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 was inaugurated at Jayadev Sadan in Paradip on January 8. The four-day event was organised by Paradip Port Authority under the Major Ports Sports Control Board and transformed the port town into a gathering place for cultural performers from across India.   More than 200 participants representing nine major ports took part. Teams came from Chennai, Cochin, Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, V.O. Chidambaranar and host Paradip Port. Competitions covered classical vocal, light vocal, instrumental music, dance and drama.   Paradip Port Authority Chairman P. L. Haranadh inaugurated the meet and highlighted the role of culture in promoting unity and harmony. A colourful inaugural parade was followed by cultural performances from Mumbai Port Authority and Visakhapatnam Port Authority, beginning four days of competitions and cultural exchange.   The cultural meet gave port employees an opportunity to showcase talents beyond their professional responsibilities while celebrating India’s diverse cultural traditions. The Government of India’s PIB report includes actual photographs from the event, so this is another strong image-backed story for your Jagatsinghpur Festival & Events page.

The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 received a warm welcome when its East Coast cycling team reached Paradip. The nationwide initiative was organised to promote coastal security, environmental awareness, physical fitness and national integration while commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram.   The East Coast team consisted of 65 cyclists, with women accounting for half of the participants. During their stop in Paradip, the cyclists interacted with fishermen, young people, port employees and representatives of local industries to spread awareness about coastal vigilance and healthy lifestyles.   Cultural programmes were also organised as part of the cyclists’ visit. Odissi, traditional Odia and Sambalpuri dance performances entertained the gathering, while students presented Vande Mataram, combining the sporting initiative with cultural celebration.   After completing their programmes in Paradip, the cyclists received a ceremonial send-off from Paradip Beach and continued their journey towards Konark. The event brought together cycling, cultural performances and public awareness activities while encouraging greater community participation in coastal security and fitness.

The 41st All India Major Ports Kabaddi Tournament 2025–26 was held at Biju Convention Centre in Paradip. Organised under the Major Ports Sports Control Board, the three-day competition brought seven teams representing major ports from different parts of India to the Jagatsinghpur district port town.   Players representing Paradip, Chennai, Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mumbai, New Mangalore and Visakhapatnam port authorities participated. The matches featured competitive raids, disciplined defensive performances and strong support from spectators and sports enthusiasts.   Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority emerged as champion, while Chennai Port Authority finished as runner-up. Host Paradip Port Authority and Mumbai Port Authority jointly secured the second runners-up position. Trophies and medals were presented during the valedictory ceremony.   The tournament promoted physical fitness, teamwork and interaction among employees of India’s major ports while giving Paradip another national-level sporting event. The official Paradip Port Authority report contains an actual event photograph, and the tournament also appears in PPA’s official 2026 photo gallery.

The 21st Paradip Marathon was organised as part of the 65th Foundation Day celebrations of Paradip Port Authority. The 14-kilometre race started from Hanuman Temple Square and concluded at Gopabandhu Stadium, attracting runners and sports enthusiasts to the port town.   A total of 336 runners, including 280 men and 56 women, participated in the competition. Athletes from Odisha and neighbouring states took part, making the marathon an important sporting event connected with the Foundation Day celebrations.   Ashok Dandasena of Odisha Police emerged as the winner in the men’s category, completing the race in 43 minutes and 52.2 seconds. Anita Das of Jharkhand secured first place in the women’s category, while other leading runners were also recognised for their performances.   The marathon combined the celebration of Paradip Port’s Foundation Day with the promotion of physical fitness, sportsmanship and community participation. The large turnout of competitors demonstrated the growing popularity of the annual event and helped create a festive sporting atmosphere in Paradip.

Paradip Port Authority organised the Women’s Cultural Festival 2026 as part of its cultural and community activities in the port township. The programme provided a platform for women to participate in cultural activities and showcase their talents while strengthening community engagement among employees and families associated with the port. The festival featured colourful cultural programmes and brought participants together in a celebratory atmosphere. Such programmes are an important part of Paradip Port Authority’s community calendar, complementing its sporting, social and employee-welfare initiatives throughout the year. The event also highlighted the contribution and participation of women in the cultural life of Paradip. Through organised cultural programmes, participants were able to interact, perform and celebrate together, helping strengthen social connections within the port community.