Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 2: The Reef Festival/Sagarmela 2025, organised by the Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET)-Dakshin Foundation, was a three-part event, held on 22nd, 28th and 29th November respectively in Havelock, Wandoor and Sri Vijaya Puram. This event brought together more than 300 hundred island residents, including children, members of fishing communities, divers, government officials and other stakeholders, in a vibrant celebration of the islands’ ecological and cultural heritage. The event was supported by Axis Bank Cares, and Dakshin’s institutional donors.
The festival highlighted the rich marine ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while promoting a shared sense of responsibility toward the oceans. Participants were inspired to appreciate and protect the diverse marine life that sustains and defines the islands. In parallel, the event honoured the small-scale fishing communities whose traditional knowledge, labour and stewardship contribute immensely to sustainable fishing practices, global food security and economic stability. The event also drew attention to the often-overlooked contributions of women in fisheries and coastal livelihoods, recognizing the significance of International Women Fishers’ Day (5 November) and World Fisheries Day (21 November). The events in Havelock and Wandoor were especially student-centric, designed to spark curiosity and appreciation for marine life. Children participated in educational games, guided inter-tidal walks, visits to the marine interpretation centre at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, book-reading sessions, beach clean-ups, storytelling sessions, and beach games.
The concluding event in Lalbagh resort in Sri Vijaya Puram featured a wide range of interactive activities. Children explored game stalls based on island ecosystems and fisheries, enjoyed ocean-inspired temporary tattoos and showed curiosity in understanding SCUBA gear and the world of diving. The event came alive with a photography exhibition that captured the beauty of the reefs, alongside cultural performances which brought energy to the festival. The Youth Ambassadors of Wandoor presented a Nukkad Natak on marine life and waste, which was both engaging and educational. The day also included an ocean-themed painting competition for children and a Seafood MasterChef competition for adults. A panel discussion with members of the fishing community provided valuable insights into their deep connections with the ocean shaped by memories, knowledge and lived experience.
A highlight of the festival was the guest talk by Dhritiman Mukherjee, one of India’s most accomplished wildlife photographers. Interacting closely with the children, he shared stories behind some of his most iconic photographs and his journey of taking them. Reflecting on humanity’s relationship with nature, he remarked, “We humans often assume that certain animals such as fish and snakes are the most dangerous, when in reality they are simply living their lives. This invites us to reflect on how human actions shape the natural world and highlights the need to build awareness through respectful and meaningful connections with nature.”
The presence of the Chief Secretary, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar and Dr. Sonali Ghosh added to the event’s significance. They awarded prizes to the winners of the photography, painting, and Seafood MasterChef competitions and encouraged the children and participants with their thoughtful words. The Reef Festival and Sagarmela 2025 concluded on a heartfelt note, reaffirming collective commitment to celebrating the islands’ natural wealth, recognising the vital role of coastal communities and strengthening shared responsibility towards marine conservation.