Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 26: All is set for the grand inauguration of the five-day extravaganza -the Island Tourism Festival-2025 at the ITF Ground, VIP Road, Sri Vijaya Puram. The Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, in association with the Directorate of Art & Culture and other line Departments of A & N Administration is hosting the festival to bring together a diverse array of cultural performances, traditional music, dance, arts and local craftsmanship and food, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Islands’ unique heritage.
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray will inaugurate the much-awaited event at 5.30 pm tomorrow (Dec.27) as the chief guest at the sprawling ITF ground. The opening ceremony will be marked by a soulful ‘Ganesh Vandana’ followed by a Nicobari Dance, Kathak performance by artistes of Bhaktkhande Sanskriti Viswavidayaylaya, Lucknow and ‘Ras’ by artistes of Youth Services & Cultural Activities, Gujarat.
To make the event more inclusive and vibrant, cultural programmes will be organised in different locations for the benefit of the people residing in remote Islands by the Art & Culture Department, A&N Administration. The venues where a series of enthralling cultural programmes has been planned include ITF Ground at VIP Road, Marina Esplanade, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Hut Bay in South Andaman, extending further to Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur in North & Middle Andaman, and reaching Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay in the Nicobar group of Islands. Each venue will resonate with performances that celebrate the living heritage of the Islands while embracing the artistic traditions of other regions of the country.
For the first time, the Art & Culture Department has roped in cultural troupes from different States/UTs of India who will be joining hands with local organizations and renowned institutions such as the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) to present a kaleidoscope of classical, folk, and tribal art forms. The SZCC ensemble will captivate audiences with Mayooranrithyam, Thira, Theyyam, Marakkalattam, Karagam, Oyiil Dummy Horse, Thappattam, Singarimelam, and Martial Arts, while the EZCC troupe will enthral with Sambalpuri Mahamaya and Netaji-themed creative dances.
Adding to the splendour, the Directorate of Culture & Language, Chhattisgarh will showcase its rich folk and tribal traditions, Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow will bring the elegance of Kathak, Youth Service & Cultural Activities, Jamnagar, Gujarat will present the devotional Ras Leela, and artistes from Jammu & Kashmir will mesmerise with their folk dances Jagarna, Rouff, Phardi, and Badherbi. The Island Tourism Festival 2025 promises to be a magnificent celebration of unity in diversity, where the rhythms of the mainland India will harmonise with the melodies of these Islands, creating a cultural symphony that honours India’s timeless heritage. Apart from the Cultural Programmes, popular events such as the Healthy Baby Show, Flower Show, Vegetable Show, Fruit Show, Pet Show and Rangoli competitions will be organized by concerned Departments.
To add colour to the festivities, different Government Departments will set up stalls to depict developmental activities and showcase the Islands’ progress. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will also present local handicrafts and homemade products. Like in the previous years, this year also a ‘Hasya Kavi Sammelan’ (comic poetry session) will be organised by the Department of Official Language, A&N Administration. As usual, delicious food courts will be set up offering various cuisines and eatables, besides fun games for children to add festivities during the ITF.
The general public have been invited to come and enjoy the 5- days festival and soak in the spirit of fun, food and cultural extravaganza. The event will be held till Dec. 31 from 5.30 pm to 10 pm.