Lighthouse Festival 3.0 to light up Visakhapatnam on January 9 and 10

The Ports, Shipping and Harbours Department will organise Lighthouse Festival 3.0 at MGM Park in Visakhapatnam on January 9 and 10 to promote maritime heritage, lighthouse tourism, and community participation.

Joint Collector K. Mayur Ashok said the festival aims to showcase the city’s coastal legacy and strengthen its standing as a major tourism destination. Cultural programmes and a range of attractions will be held from 6 pm onwards on both days.

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Tourism Minister Suresh Gopi, and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh are expected to attend the event. MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and other public representatives will also participate.

Citing the successful organisation of earlier Lighthouse Festivals in Goa and Puri, Mr. Mayur Ashok directed port and district officials to make elaborate arrangements to ensure the Visakhapatnam edition is held on a grand scale.

A review meeting on festival preparations was held at the Collectorate on Wednesday with the Deputy Director General of Lighthouses and port officials. The Joint Collector instructed departments to ensure uninterrupted power supply, proper sanitation, medical facilities, transport services including buses, parking arrangements, and tight security. He also called for extensive publicity through mainstream and social media.

He said the festival is expected to give a fillip to the city’s tourism potential and urged district and port authorities to work in close coordination for its smooth conduct.