Sri Vijaya Puram, October 24: The third edition of the Island Coconut Festival-2026 will be held at the ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 24 and 25, bringing together coconut-based cuisine, traditional crafts, competitions, children’s activities and cultural performances to highlight the economic and cultural importance of the coconut in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organised by the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) in collaboration with allied departments, the two-day festival will begin at 5 pm on both days. The theme for this year’s edition is “Celebrating Coconut – Culture, Cuisine & Crafts of the Islands.”
The festival aims to promote innovative uses of coconut, support local producers and artisans, and demonstrate how a resource widely available across the islands can contribute to livelihoods and income generation. Alongside food and cultural activities, the event will feature an exhibition of coconut-based products, traditional crafts and value-added items.
Government departments expected to participate include the Coir Board, Coconut Development Board, Tribal Welfare Department, Agriculture Department and Industries Department. Their displays will showcase different applications of coconut and related products, including coir, handicrafts and processed items.
The exhibition is intended to highlight opportunities beyond conventional uses of coconut, encouraging visitors to explore its potential in food processing, craft production and other sustainable enterprises. For local producers and self-help groups, such platforms can also provide opportunities to display products and connect with potential customers.
Competitions and workshops
The festival’s opening day, October 24, will feature a coconut de-husking competition from 4 pm to 5.30 pm, with separate categories for men and women. The Agriculture Department will coordinate the competition, and spot registration will be available.
A coconut-themed fun painting activity for children below 15 years is scheduled from 5 pm to 8 pm in collaboration with the Education Department. Children interested in participating have been asked to assemble at Stall No. 27 by 4 pm. Materials will be provided by the department.
A coconut cooking competition and a coconut-based art and handicraft competition are also listed among the activities for October 24. Participants can register on the spot. The cooking competition will be held at Stall No. 25, while the art and handicraft competition will take place at Stall No. 26.
A coconut-themed handicraft-making workshop is scheduled for October 25 at Stall No. 27, in collaboration with the Education Department and self-help groups. The workshop is intended to encourage creative use of coconut and related materials.
Cultural performances across two evenings
Traditional and contemporary cultural performances will form a major part of the festival. The programme for October 24 includes folk dances by M J Music Academy and Jhankar Dance Academy, along with karaoke presented by Sur Sangam Social & Cultural Society.
A Nicobari traditional dance performance is also listed in the programme, offering an opportunity to showcase the cultural heritage of the Nicobari community.
On October 25, performances are scheduled by Natyanjali Classical Dance Academy, Balkrishna Nritya Academy and Naach Academy of Performing Arts. The programme includes folk dance and karaoke.
The cultural schedule is intended to complement the exhibition and competitions, making the festival a public platform for the islands’ cuisine, crafts and performing arts.
Focus on local livelihoods
Coconut is used in a wide range of food products and household applications, while its fibre and other parts can be processed into products with commercial value. The festival seeks to bring greater attention to these possibilities and encourage innovation among local entrepreneurs, artisans and producers.
Participation by government departments and self-help groups is expected to provide visitors with information about coconut-based products and potential livelihood opportunities. The exhibition also aims to increase awareness of value addition, which can help producers explore ways to develop products beyond the sale of raw agricultural materials.
The festival is open to the general public, tourists and students. With competitions, workshops, food stalls and performances planned across two evenings, the event will combine public entertainment with an exhibition of the resource’s cultural and economic significance.
The third edition of the Island Coconut Festival will be held at the ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram, on October 24 and 25 from 5 pm onwards. The programme offers residents and visitors an opportunity to experience coconut-based cuisine, traditional skills and cultural performances while learning about potential avenues for local enterprise and livelihood development.
