Cuttack, Nov. 11 -- The Odisha Government on Tuesday inaugurated the first-ever 'Mahanadi Boita Pratiyogita 2025' (boat race) on the banks of the Mahanadi river near Gadagadia Ghata in Cuttack. The two-day event, beginning today, has drawn men's and women's teams from 10 states, including Odisha.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida formally inaugurated the grand event on the opening day, marking a new chapter in the state's efforts to promote traditional water sports and cultural heritage.

Pravati Parida said, "On the banks of Mahanadi, Baliyatra is going on, and the youth is actively participating in Mahanadi Boita Pratiyogita 2025. The tourism department has this boat race, and next year, this will be taken to an international...