Visakhapatnam: The busy roads and streets of Visakhapatnam have lost their bustle as a significant portion of the city's population, particularly those from northern coastal Andhra Pradesh, have journeyed to their native villages and towns for the Sankranti festival.
Authorities are expecting a mass exodus on Sunday and Monday. One projection is that 40–50 per cent of the city's residents would be in their hometowns, spending the festival with their families. Most of these people are residents of areas like Madhurawada, Kommadi, Kancharapalem, Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi and Arilova.
Almost all shops and business outlets, but for eateries, will remain closed, giving the urban landscape an uncharacteristically serene appearance.
Tourist destinations like RK Beach, Kailasagiri, Vuda Park, VMRDA Park, Tenneti Park, Thotlakonda, Rushikonda Beach, and Bheemili Beach are expected to become the focal points of Sankranti celebrations, with crowds engaged in kite-flying and other festivities.
Approximately 40 movie theatres in Visakhapatnam are expected to be packed, with families and friends watching films.
However, by the coming weekend, the city is expected to return to its normal surge in traffic, with schools and colleges reopening, and businesses reopening after the festival.
