Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 6: The Department of Tourism has opened applications for participation in the Island Food Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from April 17 to April 19 at the ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The festival is designed to showcase a wide range of local, regional, and national cuisines, offering a platform for food vendors to present their products, engage with a larger audience, and expand business opportunities. Applications have been invited from food vendors, State Associations, self-help groups, hoteliers, restaurant owners, catering institutions, and homemakers.
Officials stated that participants will be selected based on compliance with quality, hygiene, and creativity standards. Application forms and detailed guidelines are available at the Operational Unit of the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The three-day event will be held daily from 4 pm to 9 pm and is expected to draw significant public participation, with food stalls, entertainment, and related activities forming part of the programme.
Authorities have outlined that stall allotment will be conducted through a lottery system to ensure transparency and fairness. The process will follow the terms and conditions specified in the application form.
The last date for submission of applications has been fixed as April 9 at 3 pm. The allotment of stalls by the committee is scheduled for April 12, with allotment letters to be issued on the same day.
The department has specified different categories for participation, including live kitchen setups, cooked or packed homemade food and health drinks, and open areas for recreational activities such as games and bouncy setups. Stalls allotted to selected State Associations and self-help groups will be provided on a rent-free basis.
For other categories, the charges include Rs 13,500 for live kitchen stalls for three days, calculated at Rs 4,500 per day, along with a security deposit of Rs 6,000 per stall. Cooked or packed food stalls are priced at Rs 10,500 for the duration, while open space for recreational setups is charged at Rs 486.11 per square metre.
Officials said the initiative aims to promote culinary diversity and provide a structured marketplace for vendors to connect with consumers. The event is also expected to contribute to tourism activity by attracting visitors and showcasing the region’s food culture.
Applicants seeking further clarification can contact the designated official at the Directorate of IP&T.
