Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 9: The Island Coconut Festival-2025 under the theme ‘Celebrating Coconut- Culture, Cuisine and Crafts of the Islands’ being organized by the Tourism Department, A&N Administration along with all allied Departments/Associations got off to a vibrant start with its inauguration by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Tourism), Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, as chief guest. The inaugural function was also graced by the Secretary (IP&T), Smt. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Director (IP&T), Shri Vinayak Chamadia, IAS other senior Officers of A&N Administration, officials from various Departments and general public.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary was warmly received by the Nicobarese tribe with the presentation of a traditional garland. She visited the various stalls, interacted with the participants, and showed keen interest in the diverse range of products, artifacts, and services exhibited. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary lauded the creativity and craftsmanship reflected in each stall and appreciated the efforts of the participants in promoting the unique cultural and artistic heritage of the Islands.
This unique festival is more than just a celebration. It is a vibrant tribute to the coconut’s central role in the cultural, culinary, and economic life of the Islands. From traditional uses in local crafts to innovative recipes and wellness products, the event showcases the wonders of coconut. Aimed at promoting coconut-based tourism and sustainable livelihoods, the festival offers an interactive and immersive experience. Tourists and locals alike can explore a range of engaging activities from live demonstrations and artisanal exhibitions to delicious tasting zones showcasing coconut in all its flavourful forms.
Apart from varied cuisine and crafts, the festival also features lively competitions, which have added excitement and community spirit to the event. In Coconut Dehusking challenge, participants showcased their strength and skill in a fast-paced showdown. The participants impressed the gathering with their strength and stamina, earning enthusiastic applause from the gathering. The cooking competition filled the air with aromatic spices as participants showcased their culinary geniuses with coconut-based savories and food items. The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from various Government Departments and Associations, highlighting the diverse talents and traditions of the region. The participating Departments and Association have displayed an impressive array of services, products, and innovations, demonstrating the multifaceted uses of coconut and the progress made across various sectors. The food stalls setup at the venue delighted visitors with an assortment of coconut-based delicacies, including chocolate coconut bites, coconut toffees, cookies, barfis, and a wide variety of savory treats.
Sports Activity Zones created by the Education/Sports Department attracted good number of children who were seen busy in playing chess and learning the nuance of the game besides drawing competition brought imagination, creativity & cheer among participants. Coconut Throw competition was also organised much to the delight of the onlookers at the ITF ground. Participants from all walks of life including students, artisans and local entrepreneurs and allied Departments with their participation have brought together a beautiful mosaic of talent and passion centered around the coconut. Visitors also got the opportunity to explore traditional coconut crafts, learn about sustainable farming practices and even sample organic wellness products made from coconut.
Apart from the Competitions, the Department of Art & Culture organized cultural progamme much to the delight of the gathering present at the venue in good numbers. The artistes of Kailashpati Dance Academy & Sujata Dance Academy presented semi-classical/folk /fusion dance which captivated the audience gathered at the venue, abuzz with activities. To add colour to the festivity, the artistes of the Melody Mix & Soul Music Association presented musical programme for the entertainment of visitors at the venue.
The Island Coconut Festival is not just an event, it is a celebration of heritage, creativity & sustainability. Those waiting to explore the wonders of coconut must visit the ITF Ground and experience a world full of coconut exquisites. The festival which began today will be held tomorrow (Oct. 10) also from 3 pm to 10 pm.