Bhubaneswar: At the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated several key maritime projects to the nation and announced new initiatives aimed at empowering coastal communities. The festival, which concluded today, celebrated India’s rich maritime heritage and emphasized the importance of preserving iconic lighthouses.
During the valedictory session, Sonowal revealed plans for the development of coastal communities around lighthouses to encourage their preservation and promotion as cultural heritage sites. He announced the establishment of two new lighthouses along Odisha’s coastline—one at Chaumuck in Balasore district and another at Dhamra in Bhadrak district.
“The government is committed to enabling and empowering coastal communities to take pride in their lighthouses, fostering a sense of ownership that will aid in their preservation,” Sonowal stated. He also proposed the formation of a central association to create a national movement around lighthouses as symbols of India’s maritime legacy.
In addition to the new lighthouses, the Minister inaugurated the Kalwan Reef Lighthouse in Jamnagar, Gujarat, along with two key projects at Paradip Port in Odisha: a Stacker-cum-Reclaimer and a Flyover bridge. The festival featured a variety of activities, including sand art and boat art competitions, beach runs, and beach yoga. Sonowal also participated in a Swachata Abhiyan at Niladri Beach, where participants helped clean the shoreline.
“The Indian Lighthouse Festival has gained national acclaim as we enhance facilities for tourists, providing memorable experiences at these monuments,” Sonowal remarked. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he noted, the government aims to maximize the potential of India’s cultural heritage to drive economic growth. The Minister reported a staggering 400% increase in tourist footfall at lighthouses since 2014, rising from 400,000 visitors to 1.6 million last fiscal year.
Sonowal emphasized the significance of the festival in raising awareness about the contributions of lighthouses to maritime safety and heritage. He announced plans for a national framework to support coastal communities in preserving these structures, which serve as torchbearers of India’s maritime history.
During the festival, notable figures from various fields, including Odissi dancer Mamta Ojha and mariner Nividita Acharya, were honored for their contributions to culture and society. The event showcased Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional performances and local cuisine.
The festival also highlighted the historical ties between Assam and Odisha, with Sonowal noting the deep spiritual and cultural connections between the two states. “It is heartening to witness cultural performances celebrating the vibrancy of this festival,” he added.
The Indian Lighthouse Festival, which began in Goa in 2023, aims to transform historical lighthouse sites into tourist destinations through public-private partnerships. With a ₹60 crore investment, 75 lighthouses across nine coastal states and one union territory have been developed to promote lighthouse tourism, with five located in Odisha.
The festival culminated with electrifying performances by renowned artists, further enriching the cultural experience for attendees. As Odisha continues to develop its maritime potential, the initiatives announced during the festival promise to foster growth and engagement within coastal communities while preserving the state’s rich maritime heritage.