The coastal city of Visakhapatnam came alive with cultural fervour as the third edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival was officially inaugurated at MGM Park on Friday. The event was opened by former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
A Luminous Celebration of Coastal Culture
The two-day festival transformed the Vizag coastline into a vibrant hub of tradition and celebration. The opening night witnessed a spectacular transformation as the shore became a luminous stage for a stirring Kuchipudi performance by Natya Sannidhaalaya, led by Guru Sannidha Rajasagi. The performance included 'Kadirinrusimhudu', an evocative portrayal of Lord Narasimha, followed by a special tribute marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Beyond dance, the festival was a sensory delight featuring traditional cuisine, theatre, interactive zones, and an array of coastal delicacies. The event successfully attracted over 3,500 visitors who engaged with diverse performances, exhibitions, and community showcases.
Empowering Communities and Promoting Tourism
A significant highlight was the participation of over 40 self-help group (SHG) stalls from across Andhra Pradesh. These stalls, showcasing artefacts, indigenous products, and local cuisine, put a spotlight on women-led entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In his address, Venkaiah Naidu stated that the festival would give lighthouse tourism a "shot in the arm" while promoting coastal culture and development. He revealed that 10 out of Andhra Pradesh's 17 lighthouses have already been developed for tourism purposes.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised that lighthouses are rapidly emerging as vibrant centres for tourism, culture, and local enterprise. He reiterated the Modi government's focus on empowering coastal communities to preserve these maritime landmarks, thereby creating jobs and ensuring sustainable growth.
A Pan-India Cultural Mosaic
The festival celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of India, with a special focus on the Northeast. The event stage came alive with vibrant folk dances from across the region, including:
- Manipur's Pung Cholam
- Mizoram's Cheraw
- Tripura's Sangrain
- Meghalaya's Wangala
- Nagaland's Kabui
- Sikkim's Marauni
- Arunachal Pradesh's Galo dance
- Assam's Bihu
This initiative is a key part of the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Under this vision, 75 lighthouses across 10 states and Union Territories have already been developed with modern tourist facilities. The Lighthouse Festival, which began in Goa in 2023 and expanded to Odisha in 2024, continues its successful journey in Visakhapatnam, firmly positioning lighthouses as dynamic hubs for culture, tourism, and holistic coastal development.
