Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 15: Sea Food Festival-2026 celebrating the rich flavours, traditions, and cultural heritage of the sea got off to a vibrant start at Marina Park stretch road, Sri Vijaya Puram today. The theme for the 2026 edition, ‘Safe, Wholesome & Sustainable Seafood for All,’ reflects the commitment towards promoting responsible fishing practices, food safety, and sustainable seafood consumption. Altogether, 22 stalls have been put up at the venue by the Govt. Institutions, FSI, CIARI, NIOT, NFDB, Hyderabad, SHGs, Fisheries Co-operatives, Hotel & restaurants.
The festival is being organized by the Department of Fisheries, in association with the IP&T Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, placing special emphasis on Tuna Cluster Development in the A&N Islands. The much-awaited event was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS in the presence of the Secretary Fisheries, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, the Deputy Commissioner, SA, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, the Director, Fisheries, Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra and officials of Fisheries Department & others.
Soon after inauguration the Chief Secretary accompanied by the officials, visited all the stalls and interacted with the scientists, fish traders, SHGs, Fisheries Co-operatives and other stall occupants. The Chief Secretary appreciated the effort of the Fisheries Department for showcasing the Island Sea Diversity, developmental activities in Fisheries & aquaculture took place in recent times. He also appreciated the participants of the Best Mr. Chef and Mrs. Chef Competition and as an encouragement, the Chief Secretary directed the Fisheries Department to publish their recipes alongwith photos of sea Foods prepared by them. He also launched video on Sea Food Festival during the event.
Envisioned as a vibrant celebration of the islands’ abundant marine wealth and fisheries-based livelihoods, the two-day festival aims to bring together fishers, entrepreneurs, scientists, chefs, tourists, and the general public on a common platform to experience the journey of seafood “from ocean to plate.”
Meanwhile, as part of the festival, a Traditional Fishing Boat Racing Competition was at FLC, Junglighat in the morning, which offered a spectacular display of traditional fishing skills and the maritime heritage of the islands. Apart from this, Mr. Chef and Mrs. Chef Competition was conducted in the evening at the Marina Park stretch in which 20 persons participated showcasing their culinary talents using locally available seafood. A sea food awareness quiz competition was also organized among the JNRM students in the morning.
A large gathering of people including visitors thronged to the festival venue wherein a wide range of fisheries-related activities, products, and services have been showcased. The stall also displayed live, fresh, chilled, and frozen fish, value-added fish products, seafood cuisines, aquariums, fish feed, essential fisheries requisites, and sport fishing services. For the entertainment of the visitors, colorful cultural programme was organized in which the artistes of DNA, Kalapani Band & Saakshara Sangeet Natya Academy entertained the gathering with their performances.
The festival which opened today will continue till tomorrow (Jan.16) and the prizes will be given to the winners of the competitions organized at the closing ceremony. The general public, tourists, and seafood enthusiasts have been invited to join this grand celebration in Sri Vijaya Puram and be a part of the empowerment of the fisheries sector while enjoying a vibrant and memorable celebration of seafood culture at the Island Seafood Festival – 2026.