Sat Jan 24 17:49:53 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Visakha Utsav 2026 Kicks Off with Grand Celebrations, Showcasing Uttarandhra’s Culture and Tourism Revival

The Story:

The Visakha Utsav-2026 commenced on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Visakhapatnam, marking a grand and colorful start to the annual festival. The event featured a vibrant carnival highlighting the cultural heritage of Uttarandhra, including traditional folk arts and enthusiastic participation from local communities. The inaugural event drew massive crowds to R.K. Beach, where cultural programs and a musical performance by playback singer Sunitha entertained the audience.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh emphasized the revival of the tourism sector under the NDA government, citing the successful organization of various festivals throughout the past year. The Utsav also included the launch of helicopter joyrides at Rushikonda Beach, providing a unique aerial view of the city.

Key Points:

  • Visakha Utsav-2026 began on January 24, 2026, at R.K. Beach in Visakhapatnam.
  • The inaugural event featured a carnival showcasing Uttarandhra’s cultural heritage, including Tappeta Gullu, Puli Veshalu, and Dhimsa.
  • Home Minister V. Anitha, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, and Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy flagged off the carnival.
  • Playback singer Sunitha performed a musical night, drawing large crowds.
  • Helicopter joyrides were launched at Rushikonda Beach as part of the Utsav.
  • Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh highlighted the revival of the tourism sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • Visakha Utsav serves as a significant platform for showcasing the cultural richness of Uttarandhra.
  • The NDA government is actively promoting tourism through the organization of various festivals.
  • The Utsav is designed to attract a large audience by offering a diverse range of activities, including cultural programs, musical performances, and recreational opportunities.
  • The event is leveraging established figures like Suma and Sunitha to maximize audience engagement.

Impact Analysis:

The Visakha Utsav is expected to have several long-term impacts:

  • Economic Boost: The festival will likely stimulate the local economy through tourism, increased sales for local businesses, and job creation.
  • Cultural Preservation: By showcasing traditional arts and culture, the Utsav helps preserve and promote Uttarandhra’s heritage.
  • Tourism Development: The successful organization of the event contributes to the overall development of the tourism sector in Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh, potentially attracting more tourists in the future. The emphasis on new attractions like helicopter rides suggests a focus on diversifying tourism offerings.
  • Government Image: Successfully executing the Utsav reflects positively on the NDA government’s efforts to revitalize the tourism sector and support local culture.

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