Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 16: A three-day culinary and cultural event is set to begin in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the Island Food Festival 2026 scheduled from April 17 to April 19 at the ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, A&N Administration, the festival will take place daily from 5 pm to 9 pm, bringing together food, culture and community participation. The event is designed to highlight the diverse culinary traditions of the islands while promoting local talent and supporting small businesses.
Officials said the festival aims to go beyond food by presenting a platform that reflects the stories, traditions and cultural diversity of island communities. Food stalls will be set up by local vendors, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and various cultural associations, offering visitors a wide range of traditional and regional dishes.
Participants will include cultural groups such as Kannada Sangh, Bhojpuri Samaj, Moplas, Ranchi Association and Nicobari groups, among others. Their presence is expected to showcase the multicultural identity of the islands through authentic cuisines and traditional practices.
In addition to food stalls, the festival will feature cooking competitions focused on island beverages and theme-based cake decoration. These activities are aimed at encouraging creativity and participation among local residents and aspiring culinary enthusiasts.
A series of cultural programmes has also been scheduled across all three days. Performances will include dance, music and artistic presentations by local artists, along with awareness skits by A&N Police. Officials said the programmes are intended to combine entertainment with public awareness.
On April 17, performances will include artistic yoga sessions by SAI Yoga Trust, dance presentations and musical acts by various local groups, followed by cultural programmes by A&N Police and other performers continuing into the evening.
The April 18 schedule will feature dance performances by Jhankaar Dance Group, musical sessions by MJ Music Academy, and performances by Melody Makers and other groups, extending through the evening.
On April 19, the final day will include dance and music performances, awareness skits by A&N Police and concluding cultural presentations by local artists and groups.
The Tourism Department has invited residents, tourists and families to attend the festival and experience the cultural richness of the islands. The event is expected to draw food enthusiasts and visitors interested in exploring local traditions and community-driven initiatives.
Officials said the festival underscores the importance of preserving culinary heritage while providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and cultural groups to showcase their work.
