Tourism Ministry in coordination with the Petroleum Ministry shall take several measures for international branding and promotion of the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra The Petroleum Minister Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan held a review meeting with Tourism Minister Dr. 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 Coffee Table Book and also make special documentary on the Rath Yatra. Coins and stamps will also be issued to commemorate the yatra. The 2015 Rath Yatra has been named Nabakalebar Rath Yatra as this comes after 19 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Petroleum Minister Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan informed that detailed discussions were held today for making smooth arrangements for the event. He informed that Tourism Ministry has already sanctioned Rs. 50 crore and 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.
Mr. Pradhan said that all the stakeholders including Odisha State Tourism, Tourist guides, hospitality industry people, travel industry and the Culture & Tourism Ministry of the Government of India will make consolidated efforts to promote this even an international tourism event.
Tourism Minister Dr. Mahesh Sharma informed that his Ministry was making efforts to utilise the 450-km long coastal belt for promoting tourism in Odisha. He informed that discussions revolved around making suitable arrangements to make this a memorable event.
Both Petroleum Minister Mr. Pradhan and Tourism Minister Dr. Sharma shall undertake a two-day visit to Odisha on 20th and 21st March to review the preparations for the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra.