On September 23, Goa’s Fort Aguada lit up with the glow of the Indian Lighthouse Festival, a one-of-a-kind event that celebrated India’s splendid maritime heritage and culture.
The festival, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, was a tribute to the lighthouses that have guided sailors for ages and a vision to turn them into tourist hotspots. The festival was a feast for the senses, with music, dance, art, and stories that brought alive the history and mystery of these majestic landmarks.
Lighthouses: Guardians of India’s Past and Present
The festival featured a session on ‘Lighthouses: Guardians of India’s Past and Present’, conducted by Bharat Pravah, an initiative of the Institute for Governance, Policies, and Politics.
The session highlighted the stories and significance of these towering structures that have witnessed the changing tides of history. From ancient trade routes to colonial conquests, freedom struggles, and modern development, the lighthouses have been the silent observers and protectors of India’s maritime journey.
75 Iconic Lighthouses to be Developed as Tourist Hubs
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced that the Ministry has identified 75 iconic lighthouses across India’s coastline and is inviting private partners to invest in their development. He said the Ministry wants to showcase these lighthouses as education, culture, and tourism hubs under the ‘Reform to Transform’ initiative.
He also mentioned that the Government has enacted the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, which replaces the Lighthouse Act 1927. This act provides a modern framework for the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation in India.
The Indian Lighthouse Festival was a landmark event that marked a new chapter in India’s maritime journey. It was a tribute to the lighthouses that have been the beacons of hope and safety for generations of seafarers.
The Chosen Beacons of Indian Coastline
The Mandvi Lighthouse in Gujarat is one of the 75 lighthouses that the government of India plans to transform into tourist spots. This lighthouse dates back to 1863, is perched on the Mandvi Fort, and offers a splendid view of the Arabian Sea. The other lighthouses chosen for this project are scattered across 12 states and union territories, each with a unique history and culture.
These lighthouses are located in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Lighthouse Tourism Project aims to make these lighthouses more accessible and attractive for visitors who want to explore India's maritime heritage and diversity.
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