Indian Lighthouse Festival Inaugurated in Visakhapatnam | 15 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

The 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam on January 9, 2026, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Key Points: 

• Tourism Push: The festival aims to transform historical lighthouses into vibrant tourist hubs to boost local economies. 
• New Projects: Plans were unveiled for Andhra Pradesh's first Lighthouse Museum in Vizag and four new lighthouses in the riverine areas of Assam. 
• MGM Park: The event featured cultural showcases, highlighting the maritime heritage of the "City of Destiny". 
• Maritime India Vision 2030: The festival aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the government’s strategy for tourism-led coastal development. 
• Sagarmala Programme: The transformation of lighthouses is a sub-component of port-led development and coastal community empowerment. 
• Significance: It reinforces the concept of lighthouse tourism as a unique niche, enhancing local livelihoods, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism around India’s extensive shoreline.