Sri Vijaya Puram: The Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration is preparing to host the much-anticipated ‘Cuisines of India Festival – 2025’ on June 28 and 29 at the ITF Pavilion, Sri Vijaya Puram. Held as part of the ongoing series of cultural fairs and festivals, the event is themed #DesiDelights and will run from 4 pm to 10 pm on both days.
The festival aims to showcase the rich and diverse culinary traditions of India while offering residents and tourists a chance to explore unique regional dishes and traditional cooking styles. From savoury street foods to home-style favourites, the event is expected to bring together flavours from different parts of the country under one roof.
The Tourism Department has opened applications for food and general stall allotments. Hoteliers, food vendors, culinary entrepreneurs, and local artisans have been invited to participate in this celebration of Indian gastronomy. In collaboration with the Food Safety Department of the District Administration, the festival will also prioritise hygiene and food safety compliance.
A structured stall allotment system has been announced to ensure transparency and fairness. Stalls will be assigned through a lottery draw conducted by a committee. Interested vendors must submit application forms by 3 PM on June 23, 2025. The committee will conduct the lottery and issue allotment letters on June 24.
There are 12 designated food stalls available at a rental cost of ₹4,500 for the two-day period. General stalls, aimed at non-food exhibitors such as local crafts or wellness products, are priced at ₹3,500. Small kiosk spaces are also available at ₹450 per stall. Additionally, a refundable security deposit is mandatory, ₹6,000 for food stalls, ₹5,000 for general stalls, and ₹250 for kiosks.
Payments must be made via demand draft in favour of the Senior Accounts Officer, Directorate of IP&T. The Operational Section of the Directorate of IP&T in Sri Vijaya Puram is accepting the applications and issuing terms and conditions for stall allotments.
Organisers expect a high turnout of visitors during the two-day event, driven by the growing interest in culinary tourism and the festive atmosphere the event promises. The festival is likely to feature live food preparation, regional tasting counters, traditional music, and opportunities for cultural exchange through cuisine.
The event also opens doors for small and medium culinary businesses in the islands to gain visibility and network with other players in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Given that Andaman & Nicobar is a favoured destination among both domestic and foreign tourists, festivals such as this provide an important platform to promote not just tourism but also local entrepreneurship.
The collaboration with the Food Safety Department ensures that all food vendors will adhere to quality and hygiene standards. It is expected that a variety of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and traditional desserts will be available, covering cuisines from the north, south, east, and west of India. Visitors will get a chance to experience region-specific dishes that are otherwise difficult to find in the island region.
The #DesiDelights theme has been chosen to highlight the indigenous and homegrown flavours that make Indian cuisine diverse yet unified. As part of the broader ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, this festival aligns with national objectives to boost domestic tourism by offering experiential and culture-rich events.
The event will not only entertain visitors but also serve as a soft power tool to build cultural bridges through food. The event provides a structured economic opportunity for local businesses and is expected to have a multiplier effect on nearby vendors, transport services, and support staff.
Residents and tourists are encouraged to attend the festival, sample regional specialties, and engage with the culinary talent across the islands. Organisers have indicated that plans are in place to accommodate large crowds, with safety measures and visitor flow control protocols expected to be deployed.
For additional information and clarifications, interested participants can reach out to the Operational Section of the Directorate of IP&T. Updates and announcements will also be made available through official communication channels in the days leading up to the event.
With preparations in full swing and participation interest steadily growing, the ‘Cuisines of India Festival 2025’ is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands this year.
