International Fleet Review-2016 gets underway in Visakhapatnam with the inauguration of Maritime Exhibition (MAREX) having the theme 'Innovation, Youth and Indigenisation' at Andhra University College of Engineering grounds. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated the exhibition which have an array of stalls showcasing the self-reliance of Indian Navy and set up by various Indian industries and organisations in public and private sector.<br/><br/>Earlier the Chief Minister offered floral tributes at the war memorial "Victory at Sea" on the Beach Road by placing a wreath at the monument. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Satish Soni and commanding officers of visiting foreign naval ships were present on the occasion. A thematic light and sound show depicting the roles of the Indian Navy from its beginning, both in war and peace time, is an added attraction in the exhibition. <br/><br/>The exhibition at the IFR Village also showcases Indian art and artefacts, rich and varied culture and rituals to the visiting dignitaries. The IFR Village has been set up in collaboration with the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and is co-located on the same grounds where the maritime exhibition is being held. <br/><br/>The village has 102 stalls displaying handicrafts from various states of India. Food courts and a daily cultural show would also be part of the village. The host city Visakhapatnam has been decorated beautifully for the event with colourful lights. Galleries were made on the beach road to accommodate 20,000 spectators and on the beach sands around 1.5 lakh people.