Vishakapatnam, the “city of Destiny”, is a port city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is situated to the North East of Hyderabad and the distance from Hyderabad to Vishakapatnam is 650 kilometers.
The city boasts of several, State owned Heavy Industries, one of the country’s largest ports and the oldest ship yard. “Andhra University”, is located here. The city is the,” Head Quarters for the Eastern Naval Command”.
Each year the city comes alive to the,” Annual Vishaka Utsav “,held in the month of January, from 3rd Friday to Sunday . This is a 3 day long extravaganza held by the Department of Andhra Tourism to promote the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.
This festival highlights the music, arts, drama and crafts of Andhra Pradesh and brings all the artisans on a common platform, thereby making the common man aware of the rich heritage of their state. Several sports and regional fashion shows are also conducted during this festival.
Ramakrishna beach is the main venue for the utsav. If you want to enjoy tasting the local delicacies or want to buy some ethnic clothes or buy some special flower pots then you should see this festival.
In this utsav you can see the Garment exhibition ( vastra ) alongwith cultural shows ( kala ) and traditional crafts ( Jatra ). Heritage tours are also conducted during this utsav ( Yatra) and flower shows are held ( Parimala).
In Vishakapatnam various places are selected to serve as the venues for several cultural programs, sports activities and competitions.
The venues for the various programs are held in these places at Vishakapatnam. They are –
• Kala – The Music & Dance festival at Gurajada Kalashetram.
• Parimala – Flower show at Kailasagiri.
• Jatra – Craft village at Urban Hatt, Madhurwada.
• Anveshana – The Treasure hunt at Erramatti Dibbalu.
All these events are organized by the Government of AndhraPradesh, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, VUDA ( Vishaka urban development Authority) and VMC ( Vishaka Municipal Corporation).
The Beach Motorcycle race and rock climbing events are organized by the “Brave-hearts Adventure Sports Ltd”. The “Treasure hunt”, is very popular with the youth and this event is organized yearly in Erramatti Dibbalu, which means red sand in Telugu. These are natural formation of red sands ( yerramattidibbalu).
In this utsav, you can go taste the local food, go to the various beaches in and around Vishakapatnam, visit Bojjankonda and Thotlakonda Buddhist sites or visit the famous Borra caves.
Vishaka Utsav in Bhimli –
The fishing village of Bhimli comes alive with the Vishaka Utsav. The entire route is decorated with statues depicting fishermen’s lives. Races are held for catamarans and boats.The other tourist attractions in Vishakapatnam are Simachalam, Bojjankonda, Thotlakonda, Dutch tombs at Bheemipatnam, Araku valley, Borra caves and Kailash Giri. All these places represent the 7 wonders of Vishakapatnam.
So, next time you are planning for a vacation, do not forget to visit the Vishaka Utsav.