The annual Visakha Utsav that began on Friday appears to have surprised the visitors to the city. Many of them who had come from different states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, were expecting the beach to be a normal one, but after seeing a carnival like atmosphere, were an excited lot.
“This has been a double bonanza for us. We have amusement parks, a number of food stalls and the entire beach is decked up. And most importantly the evening is laced with music of different genres and performing artist,” said a tourist from Ranchi.
Even for the locals and those who have come from neighbouring villages and towns, the utsav has been worth a visit. We have come to the beach on earlier occasions, but this time it was a different experience. It is like visiting a big carnival,” said Srinivasa Rao from Payakraopeta.
Unlike in earlier years, the Visakha Utsav is being held at one single place, RK Beach, and about four major venues have been set up along the 3-km stretch. Vedika is the stage for performing artists, Sannidhanam is where replicas of all the major temples in the state have been showcased, Parimala is where the flower show is organised and Jathara is where handicrafts stalls have been kept.
Many tourists feel that the annual event has not been publicised as desired.
“Till we came here, we did not know that there is something of this kind being held at the RK Beach. Had we known earlier, a few other families would have joined us, said Shailesh Mitra from Kolkata. Such events should be publicised well in advance and it should not be limited to Visakahpatnam and its surroundings.
