India’s First Lighthouse Festival Open in Goa, Complete Details

India’s First Lighthouse Festival

India’s first lighthouse festival, known as the ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or Indian Lighthouse Festival, took place at Goa’s famous Fort Aguada. The Lighthouse Festival’s primary aim is to celebrate India’s rich maritime history, focusing on its 75 well-known lighthouses.

What is the Lighthouse Festival in India?

The Lighthouse Festival will showcase the historical significance of lighthouses and offer cultural exhibitions, music performances, light and sound shows and also cuisines for tourists. India’s lighthouses are set to become tourist hubs, featuring amusement parks and cafes, as per Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

India’s First lighthouse Festival took place in Goa

The Indian lighthouse festival was held in Goa, India. Specifically, it took place at the iconic Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa. This festival was a celebration of lighthouses and their history, and it aimed to turn many lighthouses across India into tourist destinations. Goa, with its beautiful coastal location and historic lighthouse, was chosen as the location for the first edition of this festival.

The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

During his speech at the festival, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that this event aimed to breathe new life into the 75 historic lighthouses situated along India’s coastlines. The goal was to unveil the cultural and historical significance of these iconic sites and share them with the world. He also mentioned that this initiative aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” which means a self-reliant India. The plan was to transform these lighthouses into centres for education, culture, and tourism.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways intended to use the festival to encourage collaborations between the public and private sectors to upgrade these historic lighthouses into world-class tourist destinations. In total, 75 lighthouses were identified for this purpose.

Sarbananda Sonowal described the Lighthouse Festival as a captivating journey through time and beauty. It aimed to shine a light on the hidden gems of India’s maritime history and reveal untold stories associated with these historic lighthouses.

The Lighthouse Festival featured various attractions, including cultural exhibitions, sessions on maritime history, classical performances, light shows, and performances by celebrity singers. The event sought to showcase the historical and cultural significance of India’s lighthouses while also making them more accessible and enjoyable for tourists.

Read about: List of Indian Festivals

Significance of Lighthouse Festival

The Indian lighthouse festival is a special event that focuses on turning old lighthouses into tourist spots. It does this to honour their history, attract visitors, boost local economies, and help people enjoy the beauty of these coastal areas. Here’s why the Indian lighthouse festival is important:

• Historical and Cultural Value: The festival aims to revive and celebrate the historical and cultural significance of these lighthouses. Lighthouses have played a crucial role in guiding ships safely for many years, and this festival recognizes their importance.
• Tourism Boost: By developing these lighthouses into tourist hubs, the festival promotes tourism in various regions of India. It not only showcases the architectural beauty of these structures but also allows people to experience the natural beauty around them.
• Economic Growth: Transforming lighthouses into tourist attractions can boost the local economy. Tourists visiting these sites will spend money on accommodations, food, and local products, thereby benefiting the communities in these areas.
• Modernization: The festival includes renovating these historic lighthouses, equipping them with modern amenities and facilities to enhance the experience for visitors. This modernization makes them more attractive to tourists.
• Promoting Nature: Lighthouses are often located in picturesque coastal areas. By promoting these sites, the festival encourages people to connect with nature and appreciate the natural beauty of India’s coastlines.

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