The cultural vibrancy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands came alive at the TGCE Auditorium in Sri Vijaya Puram as World Folklore Day was celebrated with an elaborate programme of folk dances, songs, and storytelling. Organised by the Directorate of Art and Culture, the event sought to commemorate traditional art forms while creating a platform for young performers to connect with heritage that has shaped generations.
The programme was inaugurated by Secretary of Art and Culture, Jyoti Kumari, who addressed a packed audience, stressing the importance of preserving folk traditions as an invaluable treasure for future generations. She noted that cultural practices form the strength of the islands’ identity and highlighted the administration’s ongoing commitment to reviving folk art forms, including music, storytelling, and dance. The Secretary also felicitated the winners of the competitions, congratulating students for their passionate performances.
The event featured a series of competitions and performances by school and college students across the islands. An inter-collegiate folk dance competition saw DBRAIT take first place, JNRM secure second, and ANCOL finish third. Folk song presentations by school teams further enriched the programme, with GSSS Boys and GSS Junglighat winning honours in the South Andaman Zone, while Govt. Model Senior Secondary School Ferrargunj and GSSS Tushnabad took top positions in the Wimberlygunj Zone. Results from other zones are awaited, but the high levels of participation demonstrated the enthusiasm of students in celebrating their cultural heritage.
Adding depth to the festivities were two storytelling sessions that drew particular appreciation from the audience. Historian Rashida Iqbal narrated “Andaman ke Kisse,” recounting pre-independence narratives and shedding light on the islands’ layered history. Dr. Jochibed Vincent of ANCOL presented “Nicobar ke Kisse,” exploring indigenous myths, legends, and oral traditions from Nicobar. These talks offered rare glimpses into the oral heritage of the islands and brought authenticity to the celebration, allowing audiences to engage with cultural narratives that go beyond performance.
The school participants, many of whom presented prize-winning folk songs, were lauded for their dedication. Their efforts reflected not just artistic skill but also a living connection to traditions that are often at risk of fading in the modern era. Performances of songs, dances, and stories collectively created a lively atmosphere inside the auditorium, where an intergenerational audience connected over cultural pride.
Director of Art and Culture, Priyanka Kumari, in her welcome address, explained that the event was not just about showcasing performances but also about preserving India’s vast cultural diversity. She highlighted that folklore serves as a medium through which communities pass on values, traditions, and histories, making it vital to keep such practices alive.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Director of Art and Culture, Kanak Radha Chatterjee, who acknowledged the contributions of performers, organisers, and judges. The presence of an enthusiastic audience underscored the public’s interest in engaging with cultural traditions and ensured that the day’s performances resonated beyond the stage.
For the islands, where diverse communities bring together different traditions, the observance of World Folklore Day provided a meaningful platform to reaffirm cultural identity. The event also demonstrated the importance of supporting young performers in keeping folk traditions relevant in a rapidly changing world.
By blending competitions, performances, and oral storytelling, the celebration at TGCE Auditorium achieved more than just entertainment; it served as a bridge between the past and the future. World Folklore Day in Andaman and Nicobar Islands became both a showcase of living traditions and a reminder of the responsibility to preserve them for coming generations.
