The coastal city of Visakhapatnam is set to illuminate its shores with the grand Lighthouse Festival 3.0, scheduled for January 9 and 10, 2025. Organized under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, this two-day extravaganza aims to spotlight the region's rich maritime legacy while fostering tourism and community engagement.
Grand Preparations Underway for the Festival
To ensure the event's success, a high-level review meeting was chaired by Joint Collector K Mayur Ashok on Wednesday. The meeting saw the participation of key officials including Lighthouse Deputy Director General Veerendra Yadav, Visakhapatnam Port Secretary Samba Murthy, and representatives from various civic and utility departments. Drawing inspiration from the successful editions held earlier in Goa and Puri, officials are committed to organizing the Visakhapatnam chapter on a much grander scale.
During the meeting, Mr. Ashok directed all concerned departments to make robust arrangements. The directives included ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, comprehensive sanitation measures, setting up a medical camp, and providing ample drinking water facilities. Additionally, arrangements for special bus services and widespread publicity through both mainstream and social media channels were emphasized.
A Star-Studded Celebration of Coastal Culture
The festival is expected to be graced by eminent personalities, adding significant prestige to the event. Confirmed attendees include former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Tourism Minister Suresh Gopi, and State Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh. They will be joined by local MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and other public representatives, making it a notable gathering on Visakhapatnam's cultural calendar.
The core of the festival will revolve around vibrant cultural performances and special programs, held daily from 6 pm onwards. These activities are meticulously designed to engage coastal communities and offer visitors a deep dive into the local maritime traditions and arts.
Objectives and Expected Impact
The Lighthouse Festival 3.0 has three primary objectives: to promote India's maritime heritage, to expand the niche of lighthouse tourism across the country, and to actively involve coastal communities in the developmental narrative. Officials expressed strong confidence that the event will significantly enhance Visakhapatnam's profile as a premier tourism destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors interested in cultural and heritage experiences.
Mr. Ashok urged the district and port authorities to work in seamless coordination to ensure the festival's resounding success. With departments like the GVMC, RTC, electricity, police, and fire services all involved in the preparations, the city is all set to host a safe, memorable, and impactful celebration of its coastal identity.
