Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is all set to host the grand opening of the Island Tourism Festival 2025. This annual festival, which began on December 27, 2025, promises to offer an immersive experience of the Islands’ rich heritage, culture, and traditions. Hosted by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, in collaboration with the Directorate of Art & Culture, the event brings together an exciting array of cultural performances, local crafts, music, dance, and traditional cuisine. The festival is expected to serve as a significant boost to the tourism sector, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.
A Glimpse of the Island Tourism Festival 2025
The Island Tourism Festival 2025 is designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, bringing together various traditional art forms, folk performances, and local crafts that define the region’s identity. The festival is also a platform to promote the islands as a prime destination for both domestic and international tourists, showcasing its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant local life.
This five-day extravaganza will run through December 31, 2025, and features performances by cultural troupes from different states of India. The event aims to provide visitors with an authentic experience of the islands’ unique blend of tribal, cultural, and artistic traditions. It will feature more than just cultural shows – the festival includes a variety of competitions, exhibitions, and food stalls, making it a fun-filled and educational experience for people of all ages.
The festival will kick off with a grand inauguration ceremony at the ITF Ground, VIP Road, Sri Vijaya Puram, led by Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening, with a performance of Ganesh Vandana, followed by a Nicobari Dance and a Kathak performance by the renowned artistes of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow. This sets the stage for a series of diverse performances that blend regional and national artistic traditions.
Key Highlights of the Island Tourism Festival 2025
- Date: December 27, 2025 – December 31, 2025
- Location: ITF Ground, VIP Road, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Organizers: Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, Directorate of Art & Culture, A&N Administration
- Opening Ceremony: December 27 at 5:30 PM with performances such as Ganesh Vandana, Nicobari Dance, and Kathak
- Duration: 5 days of cultural, artistic, and culinary experiences
Cultural Diversity on Display
The Island Tourism Festival 2025 brings together cultural troupes from across the country, providing a platform for the islands to showcase their unique tribal art forms while blending influences from different parts of India. For the first time, cultural groups from South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), along with local performers, will display a wide range of classical, folk, and tribal performances. Highlights include:
- SZCC’s Ensemble: Traditional dances such as Mayooranrithyam, Thira, Theyam, Karagam, and Thappattam will captivate audiences, displaying the vivid artistry of southern India. Martial Arts performances will also add excitement to the cultural show.
- EZCC’s Participation: The Sambalpuri Mahamaya and Netaji-themed dances promise to evoke national pride while celebrating the diversity of Indian art forms.
- Cultural Showcase from Chhattisgarh: The rich folk and tribal traditions of Chhattisgarh will be highlighted through colorful performances, reflecting the cultural richness of the region.
These performances are complemented by local crafts and traditional artworks, where visitors can explore the vibrant handicrafts of the islands.
Inclusive Cultural Programs Across Multiple Venues
One of the festival’s key goals is to make cultural experiences accessible to people from all parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To this end, the Directorate of Art & Culture has organized a series of performances in remote locations, ensuring that everyone in the islands can partake in the festivities. Venues include:
- South Andaman: ITF Ground at VIP Road, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Hut Bay
- North and Middle Andaman: Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur
- Nicobar Islands: Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay
These venues will resonate with performances that celebrate the islands’ living heritage while embracing the artistic traditions of mainland India, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural journey.
A True Celebration of Local Heritage
The Island Tourism Festival 2025 stands out by also offering a platform for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local organizations to showcase the islands’ handicrafts and homemade products. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase locally made items, supporting the local economy and empowering the island communities.
In addition, various Government Departments will set up stalls at the festival, showcasing developmental activities and the island’s progress in tourism, infrastructure, and community welfare. The festival serves as an opportunity to inform both locals and visitors about ongoing projects and future plans for the development of the region.
Festival Activities Beyond Culture
The festival doesn’t just focus on cultural performances. In true celebratory fashion, the event will also feature:
- Healthy Baby Show
- Flower Show
- Vegetable Show
- Fruit Show
- Pet Show
- Rangoli Competitions
These fun-filled competitions will engage the general public and add an exciting twist to the cultural programs, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A Culinary Extravaganza
Food plays a central role in any cultural celebration, and the Island Tourism Festival 2025 is no exception. Visitors will find a wide range of food stalls, offering local delicacies and a variety of cuisines to cater to all tastes. Whether you are a fan of traditional island dishes or looking to sample dishes from other parts of India, the festival’s food courts promise to be a gastronomic delight.
Festival Conclusion
The Island Tourism Festival 2025 will conclude on December 31, 2025, with a spectacular cultural performance. The closing ceremony will highlight the best of the island’s performances and provide a fitting end to the five-day celebration. The festival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors, whether they are experiencing it for the first time or returning to celebrate the islands’ rich cultural heritage.
Conclusion: A Unique Celebration of Andaman’s Heritage
The Island Tourism Festival 2025 in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, promises to be an unforgettable event that highlights the diversity, culture, and heritage of this beautiful archipelago. With an engaging mix of performances, competitions, food, and local craftsmanship, the festival provides an immersive experience for all. By showcasing the vibrant cultural traditions of the islands alongside those from mainland India, it offers visitors an enriching understanding of the islands’ historical and cultural significance. As a beacon of tourism in the region, the festival plays a crucial role in promoting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
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