Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 27: The much-awaited Island Tourism Festival (ITF)–2025 got underway today with great fanfare and a colourful opening ceremony at the sprawling ITF Ground on VIP Road on 27th Dec. 2025. The five-day cultural extravaganza is being organised by the Tourism Department, with the support of the Department of Art & Culture and other line Departments of the A&N Administration, to present a vibrant mosaic of cultural performances, traditional music and dance, indigenous arts, local craftsmanship and delectable cuisine offering visitors an immersive experience of the Islands’ rich and unique heritage.
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, inaugurated the festival as the chief guest by lighting the traditional oil lamp in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Prakash Adhikari, Chairperson, SVPMC, Shri Shahul Hameed, Senior Officers of the A&N Administration, tourism stakeholders, and a large gathering of islanders and tourists.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble MP expressed happiness over the conduct of the Island Tourism Festival for the entertainment of both islanders and visitors. He stated that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are progressing at a faster pace under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that the A&N Administration is making concerted efforts to promote high-end tourism, with several major projects underway to realise this vision. Urging islanders to contribute towards making the Islands a Diesel-Mukt region, he encouraged the Islanders for installation of rooftop solar power systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and dignitaries, the Director, IP&T, Shri Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, described the Island Tourism Festival as a mega annual cultural event of the Islands. He said the festival is not only meant for entertainment but also to showcase the composite and unique culture of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He informed that cultural performances by artistes from both the mainland and the Islands will be held across 14 venues during the five-day festival, benefitting people across different locations. A wide range of vibrant art forms will be presented, with ample opportunities provided to local cultural groups alongside renowned mainland troupes, truly reflecting the spirit of unity and diversity of the Islands.
The inaugural programme featured ‘Ganesh Vandana’ performance by artistes of Sujata Dance Academy followed by a traditional Nicobari Dance by the artistes of Andaman Film Society. Besides, Kathak by artistes of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya of Lucknow and Ras by artistes of Youth Service & Cultural Activities, Gujarat formed part of the inaugural function.
Thereafter, the artistes from mainland and Island enthralled huge gathering with vibrant and scintillating cultural programmes which included Dogri folk dance by artistes of Jammu & Kashmir, ‘Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja’ based on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose by artistes of EZCC (Kolkata), Tribal Folk Dance- Kasgsad by artistes of Directorate, Culture & Language, Chattisgarh, Karagam & Thaiyyam by artistes of SZCC (Kerala & Tamil Nadu). Sambalpuri dance by artistes of EZCC (Odisha), dance performances by Sujata Dance Academy and Mudra Dance Academy, Folk Dance Rouf by artistes of Jammu & Kashmir, performance by Andaman Film Society and Inspiration Dance Studio (Gujarati Folk).
Proposing the vote of thanks, the Director, Art & Culture, Ms. Priyanka Kumari, expressed her delight that artistes from both the Islands and the mainland would enthral audiences with their performances throughout the festival.
To add vibrancy to the festival, various Government Departments have set up stalls showcasing developmental initiatives and the Islands’ progress. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are displaying local handicrafts and homemade products, while well-arranged food courts offer a variety of cuisines. Fun games for children further add to the festive atmosphere.
The general public has been invited to participate and enjoy the five-day Island Tourism Festival, to be held daily from 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm, and immerse themselves in the spirit of fun, food and cultural celebration.