Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reportedly inaugurated the maiden edition of ‘Indian Lighthouse Festival’ at the historic Fort Aguada in Goa on Saturday. According to the Centre, the festival is aimed at rejuvenating the rich maritime history of the country’s iconic lighthouses. For far too long, the silent sentinels of coastlines were reportedly left ignored while serving the light of hope to scores of sailors and ships amidst the darkest nights. Being a largely sea-based destination, Goa has also been home to several forts, which were built by different rulers at different points in time. They stand as a memory of its past. Some of the more famous forts include Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Tiracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Corjuem Fort and Mormugao Fort among others. Cabo De Rama is one of the oldest and largest forts in the state. These are centers of tourist attraction as lakhs of local and foreign tourists visit them. It would be in the fitness of things for Goa to celebrate its forts by organizing a ‘Goan Forts Festival’ on the lines of ‘Indian Lighthouse Festival’.
