The three-day Carnic Festival 2025 concluded at Edward Kutchat Park, Perka, in Car Nicobar with wide public participation, cultural vibrancy and strong community engagement, marking another chapter in the island’s annual celebration of heritage, tradition and collective identity .
Held from November 26 to November 28, the festival attracted visitors and participants from across the region, transforming the venue into a focal point for cultural exchange and social interaction. The event served as a platform to showcase the unique traditions of the Nicobar Islands while encouraging participation across age groups and communities.
The festival was inaugurated in the presence of senior district and police officials along with representatives of the Tribal Council, reflecting institutional support for cultural preservation and community-driven initiatives. During the inaugural engagements, dignitaries toured the exhibition stalls, interacted with participants and observed performances, acknowledging the collective effort involved in organising the large-scale event.
Cultural competitions formed one of the core attractions of the festival. A variety of traditional and contemporary performances were presented, including solo and group songs, dance events and folk performances. The Folk Dance and Group Dance competitions drew particular attention, with performers reflecting both traditional expressions and evolving cultural influences. Participants from different backgrounds contributed to the diversity of performances, adding colour and rhythm to the festival evenings.
The exhibition arena emerged as another major draw, featuring stalls set up by multiple government departments. These stalls highlighted departmental initiatives, service outreach and thematic displays, while also engaging visitors through interactive presentations. Evaluation of the exhibition stalls was carried out based on creativity, public engagement, relevance and presentation standards, introducing an element of healthy competition among departments.
In the exhibition category, the Veterinary Department, Car Nicobar secured the first position, followed by the ICDS (TP) Department in second place and the Industries Department in third. The recognition of departmental stalls underscored the role of public institutions in connecting with communities through participatory platforms.
Awards comprising trophies, certificates and cash prizes were distributed to winners of both the cultural competitions and exhibition segments. The award ceremony marked the culmination of performances and showcased the festival’s emphasis on recognising local talent and collective effort.
Throughout the three days, the festival functioned as more than a cultural event, acting as a meeting ground for social interaction and community bonding. Families, youth groups and elders participated as audiences and contributors, reinforcing shared cultural values and social cohesion.
The conclusion of Carnic Festival 2025 reaffirmed its role as a key cultural event in Car Nicobar’s calendar. By blending performances, exhibitions and community participation, the festival strengthened social harmony while celebrating the distinctive traditions, creativity and identity of the Nicobar Islands.
