Kamorta, Aug. 17: On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, a two-day Block Mela -cum -Tribal Food Festival was organized at the Hockey Ground, Kamorta, on 15th and 16th August, 2025. The festival was conducted under the flagship programme of the Government of India, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), with the aim of fostering grassroots empowerment, bridging the interface between administration and citizens, and encouraging cultural expression, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion.
The inaugural function was graced by Shri Aditya Sangotra, AC, Nancowry as the chief guest, in the presence of Smt. Ayesha Majeed, Chief Tribal Captain, Nancowry, Shri Charles Jacob, CTC, Kamorta, Shri. Mohammed Yunus M, BDO, Nancowry, other Heads of Departments, tribal leaders, and an enthusiastic gathering of villagers.
In his address, the chief guest highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination and collaboration in organizing such programmes. He stressed that when Departments work closely and in unison, it not only strengthens the delivery of services but also provides greater opportunities for the general public to understand the initiatives, schemes, and activities being undertaken for their welfare.
Welcoming the gathering, Block Development Officer, Nancowry, underlined the significance of the festival.
The festival encompassed a rich blend of livelihood promotion, innovation, cultural preservation, and recreation. A defining highlight was the launch of NiCoShe, a distinctive SHG brand of Virgin Coconut Oil, operated and managed by Manula Mathai Payuh, a Producer Group (PG) formed under DAY-NRLM. Adding an innovative dimension, a Virtual Reality Show was also conducted for the first time in Nancowry region with the collaboration with Department of IP&T, offering a three-dimensional exploration of tribal villages of Daring, Munak, Hodi race and the Kamorta Natural Harbour.
The Mela also brought together multiple Government Departments, including Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Agriculture, Fisheries, Fire, Health, Rural Development, Social Welfare, State Bank of India, and INS Kardip, each facilitating awareness on their respective schemes and services. More than 150 members from Self Help Groups representing remote villages and islands such as Katchal, Teressa, and Bunderkhadi participated, displaying handicrafts, embroidery, and local produce.
A special attraction of the event was the Tribal Food Festival in which wide variety of Nicobarese cuisines were showcased by the SHGs. Traditional dishes prepared with coconut, pandanus, taro, yam, and fresh seafood reflected the rich culinary heritage of the Islands. Adding rhythm and vibrancy to the festival, the much-awaited “Dance Nancowry Dance” competition brought the stage alive with youthful energy and cultural expression. Participants from different villages and islands competed in traditional as well as contemporary dance forms, blending heritage with creativity.
Equally significant was the festive atmosphere created through community games and competitions. Events such as Tug of War (men’s and women’s categories), Coconut Grating, Arm Wrestling, and Pass the Ball drew spirited participation from all age groups, rekindling traditional bonds of festivity and camaraderie.