Sri Vijaya Puram, June 25: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration will organise the three-day Monsoon Carnival 2026 from June 26 to 28 as part of its efforts to promote the Islands as a year-round tourism destination through cultural programmes, regional cuisine, sports competitions and community participation.
Organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with allied departments, Self Help Groups (SHGs), State Cultural Associations and other stakeholders, the annual event forms part of the Tourism Calendar of Fairs and Festivals. The carnival aims to showcase the cultural diversity, culinary heritage, creativity and sporting spirit of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while encouraging residents and tourists to experience the monsoon season.
A major attraction of the carnival will be the Monsoon Food & Spice Fest (#MonsoonFlavours), which will be held at the ITF Ground from June 26 to 28 between 4 pm and 9 pm. The event will feature traditional, regional and contemporary cuisines prepared by State Associations, SHGs, local entrepreneurs and food establishments.
The Beach Sports Fest (#VictoryVibes) will take place at Corbyn’s Cove Beach on June 26 and 27 from 9.30 am to 5 pm. More than 40 teams have registered to participate in the knockout beach volleyball tournament for men’s and women’s categories, organised in collaboration with the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 25 stalls have been set up for the carnival, representing Self Help Groups under the Rural Development Department, State Associations, government departments, NGOs and live kitchen exhibitors. The three-day festival is designed to showcase India’s diverse culinary traditions through regional recipes and local flavours.
Indoor competitions, including chess and arm wrestling, will also be organised at Stall No. 22 at the ITF Ground throughout the carnival in collaboration with the Directorate of Education.
The cultural segment of the carnival will feature performances by local dance academies, live bands and community groups. Contemporary, classical, folk and fusion dance performances have been scheduled across all three evenings, alongside musical presentations by Alpha Musical Group, Soul Musical Association, Melody Mix, LEAD the Band and Kalapani Band.
A special cultural programme by officers and officials of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, led by Rajeshwar Lall, Assistant Secretary (GA), has been scheduled for June 27. On the concluding day, the A&N Police Band will present a skit focusing on cyber crime, drug abuse and traffic awareness, followed by the prize distribution ceremony.
The Department of Tourism stated that the Monsoon Carnival serves as one of the Administration’s flagship tourism initiatives, highlighting the Islands’ cultural heritage, local entrepreneurship and recreational offerings during the monsoon season.
Residents and visitors have been invited to participate in the events and experience the food, sports, cultural performances and community celebrations taking place across the designated venues during the three-day festival.
