A series of Holi-related events, including the 10th edition of “Beach Holi” at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, cultural performances, and regulated traffic movement, have been lined up in Port Blair as the Islands prepare for the festival of colours.
As part of its ongoing calendar of events, the Department concerned will organise the 10th edition of Beach Holi at Corbyn’s Cove from 9 am onwards. The celebration carries the tagline “Vitamin Sea and Vitamin G (Gulaal)” and is designed as a blend of music, culture and festive activities along the seashore.
The programme will begin with traditional Phag songs presented by the ALLPHA musical group. Performances by the Friend Cultural Group and the BRW Wing of the Islands are also scheduled. The event has been opened to the general public, with residents invited to participate in the festivities at the beach venue.
In a separate cultural initiative marking the festival, the Directorate of Art and Culture, in collaboration with Pankh NGO, organised a programme titled ‘Phag’ songs – celebrating the spirit of Holi at Andaman Club. The event featured performances by cultural groups from across the Islands, who presented traditional Phag songs accompanied by instruments such as dholak, manjira and harmonium.
An “Holi ke Pakwan” contest was also conducted as part of the programme, celebrating culinary traditions associated with the festival. N. Sudha Kumari secured the first prize, Sunita Banerjee won the second prize, and Subhawati Singh received the third prize.
The cultural performances drew participation from members of the public, with attendees joining in clapping and engaging with the folk melodies. The programme concluded with a message highlighting unity and harmony during the festival period.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of large gatherings at Corbyn’s Cove, the District Magistrate of South Andaman has issued a notification regulating vehicular movement on March 4 from 9 am to 4 pm. The order, issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, declares the stretch from Corbyn’s Chowk Junction to Mazar Pahad via Corbyn’s Cove as a one-way route during the specified hours. Entry will be permitted only from Corbyn’s Chowk Junction, with exit through Mazar Pahad. Movement from Mazar Pahad towards the beach will not be allowed, except for two-wheelers.
The entry of Heavy Goods Vehicles on the same stretch will remain restricted during the period. Additionally, the road from Children’s Park, Chakkargaon to Corbyn’s Cove Road will remain closed for general vehicular movement, except for two-wheelers.
Officials stated that the measures are intended to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety during the Holi rush. Corbyn’s Cove traditionally witnesses significant footfall during festival celebrations, prompting the need for temporary traffic management arrangements.
With cultural events, beach festivities and regulatory measures in place, the Administration has outlined a structured framework for Holi observance in the Islands this year. Further instructions, if any, are expected to be communicated through official channels as the festival approaches.
