Sri Vijaya Puram, May 30: 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 vibrant start with its inauguration by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, as chief guest. The inaugural function was also graced by the Secretary (Disaster Management), Shri ASPS Raviprakash, IAS, Secretary (Industries), Dr. Satyendra Singh Dursawat, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture), Smt. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Smt Jyoti Kumari, IAS, other senior Officers from A&N Administration and officials and staff from various Departments and general public.
The Chief Secretary was accorded a warm welcome by the Nicobarese tribe with presentation of traditional garland. He also visited the stalls, engaging with participants and taking a keen interest in the wide array of products, artifacts, and services on display. The Chief Secretary expressed appreciation for the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation showcased at each stall, commending the efforts of all participants.
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. Coconut Rangoli Competition saw a fusion of creativity & tradition as artists design intricate rangoli patterns using coconut shells, husks, and powders. In Coconut Dehusking challenge, participants showcased their strength and skill in a fast-paced showdown. The Coconut 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 Department 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.
The major highlight of the festival was the Coconut Dehusking competition, which was witnessed by the Chief Secretary and officials from the Administration. The participants impressed the gathering with their strength and stamina, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Additional attractions included Kids’ Creativity Zone that offered engaging experiences for all age groups. Selfie points set up on coconut inspired theme saw crowd engaging in lively photo shoot session.
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.
The Island Coconut Festival is not just an event, it is a celebration of heritage, creativity & sustainability. As the festival continues over the next 2 days, it promises to leave visitors not only entertained; but also inspired by the many ways the coconut enriches life on the Islands. 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 continue till June 1 from 2 pm to 8 pm.
Come and enjoy an extra day of tropical fun, delicious coconut treats, and island vibes! The Island Coconut Festival has now been extended till June 1,2025 from 2 pm to 8 pm.