Visakhapatnam will get its first glimpse of mermaiding

Folks taking footage of divers from Philippines dressed up as mermaids
| Photograph Credit score: KR Deepak

As soon as confined to folklore and fantasy, mermaiding — the artwork of swimming with a monofin mimicking the grace of a mermaid — has developed right into a full-fledged sport, efficiency artwork, and even a health routine. From the shimmering shores of the Philippines to aquariums within the US and Europe, this distinctive self-discipline is capturing hearts globally. Now, for the primary time, Visakhapatnam is getting a style of this underwater spectacle with an exhibition that includes worldwide mermaids.

4 skilled mermaids from the Philippines and Spain have introduced the artwork of mermaiding to the town on the ongoing exhibition at AU Exhibition Grounds, close to AU Conference Centre on the Seaside Highway. Inaugurated two weeks in the past, the exhibition has develop into a significant attraction, with guests flocking to witness the underwater performances.

Mermaids on the aquarium on the Seaside Highway in Visakhapatnam.
| Photograph Credit score:
KR Deepak

The mermaids dazzle audiences with their grace, remaining underwater for as much as two and a half minutes at a stretch, with out oxygen masks. With aquatic acrobatics and radiant smiles, they create an expertise, drawing gasps from the group.

The mermaid part is a part of the amusement truthful and has been arrange with an funding of ₹4.2 crore. The water temperature is maintained at 32 levels Celsius to make sure consolation for the performers. Earlier than getting into the tank, the mermaids dedicate two hours every day to rigorous warm-up routines, together with stretching and respiration workout routines.

Kinah, the senior-most within the group, is an authorized free diver from Philippines with over 5 years of expertise in mermaiding. “I really like the water, and being in it’s such a calming expertise. Mermaiding has remodeled my life in some ways,” she says. She shares how the pattern has flourished within the Philippines with the rise of mermaid faculties, aggressive mermaiding, {and professional} performances in water parks and aquariums.

“Mermaiding is extra than simply sporting a tail and swimming gracefully,” says Ruth, an authorized free diver from the Philippines who’s performing in Visakhapatnam. “It requires intense coaching in breath management, physique flexibility, and endurance. It’s a full-body exercise that strengthens core muscle tissues whereas additionally being extremely enjoyable.”

Past the glitz, mermaiding can also be being for ocean conservation consciousness. {Many professional} mermaids work with marine organisations the world over to advertise sustainable practices and defend marine ecosystems. “In Philippine’s Ocean Park, the place I prepare, we swim alongside sea creatures in a managed setting that mimics the ocean,” says Kinah. “It’s a method to assist individuals join with marine life and perceive why we have to defend it.”

Extra sights

Kashmir themed set on the exhibition
| Photograph Credit score:
KR Deepak

The doorway of the exhibition is impressed by Butta Bommalu, a people dance type of Andhra Pradesh, setting the tone for a culturally wealthy expertise. One other spotlight is an expansive 18,000-square-foot reproduction of Kashmir, the place guests can take a visible journey by way of breathtaking scenes that seize the area’s magnificence.

The amusement rides on the exhibition close to Police Mess on the Seaside Highway in Visakhapatnam.
| Photograph Credit score:
KR Deepak

Including to the joy are amusement rides, together with the Dropping Tower, Double Ranger, and Double Disc. “We’ve got introduced 23 rides this time, a few of which characteristic particular tools imported from Italy,” says exhibition proprietor Raja Reddy. Safety has been a prime precedence, with 64 CCTV cameras put in all through the venue. The same exhibition is being held concurrently in Vijayawada.

Timings: 4pm to 10pm; Entry charge: ₹150