Rajahmundry: Kakinada beach festival three days, showing cultural grandeur of the coastal region will start from January 10 next year in Vakalapudi in Godavari district of the state.

The three-day extravaganza will be held in a grand manner with focus on cultural promotion, food and traditional dances popular, said East Godavari District Collector Neetu Prasad.

Last year, we had spent Rs 46 lakh in organizing the festival. This time, the state government has a budget of Rs 50 lakh, he said. Elaborate arrangements have been made for more than one lakh visitors expected to attend the festival.

Famous sweet shops in the district have also been invited to exhibit various sweet types (especially Kakinada Kaja and Puthu Rekulu), seafood and local cuisine in food courts, besides holding the longest "dosa" competition, Prasad said.

Dog shows, baby shows, contests for children in sports, writing essays, floral decoration will be held during the event. The festival will also see the hotels competing to break the record of Vijayawada Hotel Owners Association prepared 11.64 meters long dosa and entered the Guinness books last year, he said.

Replicas of several temples in the district along with Buddhist sculptures would be displayed to attract visitors.