Nabakalebar Rath Yatra to be promoted as a global event

The Tourism Ministry in coordination with the Petroleum Ministry will observe the 'Nabakalebar Rath Yatra' in Odisha as an international tourism event this year and take several measures for its global branding and promotion.
The 2015 Rath Yatra has been named Nabakalebar Rath Yatra as this comes after 19 years.
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a review meeting with Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma today which was attended by Secretaries of Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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 also be issued to commemorate the yatra, according to a release.

Pradhan said detailed discussions were held for making smooth arrangements for the event.
He said that Tourism Ministry has already sanctioned Rs 50 crore and Central government will also supplement budgetary support as per the requirements of the much-awaited event.

Lakhs of people are expected to be visiting the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra and the government is committed to making glitch free arrangements for the event, he said.
Pradhan said all the stakeholders including Odisha state tourism, tourist guides, hospitality industry people, travel industry and the Culture and Tourism Ministry will make consolidated efforts to promote this even an international tourism event.

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 the Ministers shall undertake a two-day visit to Odisha on March 20 and 21 to review the preparations for the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra.