Hema Malini, troupe to perform in Puri beach festival

Puri, Nov 20 (UNI) Bollywood diva Hema Malini and her troupe will be performing during the five-day long Puri beach festival begining here from November 23.

Actress Esha Deol would also be presenting a few dance performances. Other attractions are Idol-3 runners up Amit Paul and Ankita.

Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO) Cultural Secretary J Rout and Hotel Association of Puri (HAP) Secretary R K Patra in a press conference said Dhiman Shanker ballet of Kolkata, Bhangra of Punjab, Siddi Dhamal of Gujurat, Bharatnatyam and other classical and folk dances of various states would be presented by noted artists during the festival.

Besides, Kabbadi, Volleyball and Cricket matches were added to the festival this year adding that the matches would be played by girls on the beach.

The players of KISS Rugby team, which won in England, would be presenting their feat during this cultural extravaganza.

Exclusive decorative products of handicraft, handloom and cottage industry would be placed for exhibition.

'' We have also included a few adventure sports this year, '' Mr Rout informed.

The visitors could enjoy the boat race between the various groups of fishermen, locally known as 'nolias,' and have a thrilling experience of beach parasailing.

State governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare would inaugurate the fete while Speaker Maheswar Mohanty is scheduled to declare the exhibition open.

The festival would promote beach tourism and present the state's culture and heritage before the visitors.

The organizers had roped in scores of national and international tour operators to publicise the event globally and make Orissa a favourite destination, the organisers claimed.

UNI