Visakhapatnam: With chilly winds blowing into the ocean and gentle waves lapping up the sandy beach, the Visakha Utsav was off to a colorful start at RK Beach here on Friday. Hundreds of Vizagites and tourists from other states and a few from foreign countries participated in the inaugural ceremony which took place in the evening on a giant stage set up for the three-day grand event that would reflect the cultural, heritage and rich history of the region. Prior to the inaugural ceremony a carnival was held from The Park hotel to the main venue in the afternoon, in which tableaux representing Indian Navy, Shipyard, agricultural development, Girijan products and self-help groups were showcased. The most attractive part of the rally was the model of Vizag Metro Rail coach, which drew crowds. Many were seen taking selfie standing aside the coach.

Folk artists performed traditional dhimsa, tappiti gallu and pulivesham all along the way. Over 140 stalls were set up on the beach, which included food courts and fancy items. Naval Dockyard, Indian Navy and public sector undertakings like BHPV, Steel Plant also put up their exhibition on the beach road.

The inaugural function began with Navy Band enthralling the crowds and followed by the Visakha Utsav theme song and Visakha Vaibhavam ballet.

Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu, who was the chief guest at the function, said entertainment was necessary to enable the people to make strong foundation for the future. “Protecting culture and tradition is important and the children should be taught to speak in mother tongue and understand the cultural value of their places of birth,’’ he said.

HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for  Health and Family Welfare Kamineni Srinivasa Rao and local MLAs were present. Rural Development Minister Ch Ayyanna Patrudu was conspicuous by his absence.