Vizagapatam Chamber of Commerce and Industries (VCCI) has appealed to the State government to focus on art and culture to showcase Vizag’s potential to host literary and cultural festivals.
Stating that many issues pertaining to governance and ultimately a better life for the citizens were important, VCCI president A.V. Monish Row said at the same time art, culture and literary pursuits were also equally important in community building and a way to showcase the State.
In an open letter he said every country promotes festivals in some form. Be it the Dubai shopping festival or other festivals in Singapore, Vietnam or Malaysia, tourists could be brought to any place if its art, culture and literature were properly showcased.
In India, Jaipur hosts lit fest, Goa hosts Goa Arts and Literature Festival (GALF), Kolkata International Performance Art Festival and Delhi International Arts Festival all host festivals. Kochi Muziris Biennale (international exhibition of contemporary art) is a big hit with people from all over India.
The North East also conducts several popular music festivals like Hornbill (a tribal festival in Nagaland) and ZIRO (outside music festival in Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh).
“Festivals are a great way to attract visitors from India and abroad and it can be art, culture, literary and music,” he stated.
“Whatever a festival's theme, it’s bound to be instructional and visitors are bound to learn from it. Of course, education (including greater awareness and new knowledge) is another social benefit of festivals. But this isn't learning from a book or in a classroom-this is hands-on, experiential learning offered in the fun context of celebration,” Mr. Row said.
