Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 16: (By Dr. Dinesh) The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are set to witness a rare international cultural spectacle as the world-renowned Japanese taiko ensemble Drum TAO arrives at Marina Park, Sri Vijaya Puram, on 19th December and 20th December. The performances are being presented with the support and infrastructure of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in association with Toyota, marking the group’s first-ever appearance in the islands.
Drum TAO is already familiar to sections of Indian audiences through its celebrated performances at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. I, along with my family, had the opportunity to witness the ensemble there, where their thunderous rhythms, disciplined choreography and intense physicality left a lasting impression. The upcoming Sri Vijaya Puram performances promise to bring that same electrifying energy to the island capital.
Known for seamlessly blending ancient Japanese taiko traditions with contemporary stagecraft, Drum TAO performances transcend conventional music concerts. Athletic drumming, martial precision and moments of meditative stillness come together to create a powerful visual and auditory experience. Each beat reflects years of rigorous training and a philosophy that treats rhythm as a universal language.
The choice of Marina Park road area, an open, accessible public space, allows residents, students and tourists to experience a world-class cultural performance in a natural seaside setting. For the islands, hosting an ensemble of this stature signals a growing openness to global art forms and cultural exchange.
As Sri Vijaya Puram looks ahead to 19th December and 20th, the arrival of Drum TAO is expected to be more than a performance. It is an invitation to experience rhythm beyond borders, from the hills of Nagaland to the shores of the Andamans.
*The author is a freelance Journalist and Dental Surgeon