The Tourism Ministry, in coordination with the Petroleum Ministry, shall take several measures for the international branding and promotion of the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra The Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a review meeting with Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, in which Secretaries of Ministry of Culture and Tourism were also present.
It was decided that the Ministry of Culture will bring out a Coffee Table Book and also make a special documentary on the Rath Yatra. Coins and stamps will be issued to commemorate the yatra. The 2015 Rath Yatra has been named Nabakalebar Rath Yatra as this has come around after 19 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan informed that detailed discussions were held recently for making smooth arrangements for the event. The Tourism Ministry has already sanctioned Rs. 50 crores and the Central Government will also supplement budgetary support as per the requirements of the event. Lakhs of people would be visiting the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra and Government is committed to making glitch-free arrangements for the event.
Pradhan further added that all the stakeholders, including Odisha State Tourism, tourist guides, hospitality industry, travel industry and the Culture & Tourism Ministry of the Government of India, will make consolidated efforts to promote this event as an international tourism event.
Sharma stated that his Ministry was making efforts to utilise the 450-km long coastal belt for promoting tourism in Odisha. He added that discussions revolved around making suitable arrangements to make this a memorable event. Both Pradhan and Sharma will undertake a two-day visit to Odisha in March to review the preparations for the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra.
