The Directorate of Art and Culture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, will organise a cultural programme to mark the festival of Holi in Sri Vijaya Puram, with the event scheduled to be held at the Andaman Club on March 2.
The programme, titled ‘Phag’, is aimed at celebrating the festival of colours through traditional music, cultural performances and community participation. Organisers said the event would bring together people from different backgrounds to observe Holi in its cultural and artistic forms, highlighting customs associated with the festival across regions.
A key feature of this year’s celebration will be a traditional culinary competition titled “Holi Ke Pakwan,” being organised in collaboration with PANKH. The competition is intended to showcase festive dishes commonly prepared during Holi, with participants invited to present traditional sweets, snacks and other seasonal preparations that reflect regional culinary heritage.
Interested participants have been asked to register at the office of the Directorate of Art and Culture, located on the first floor of the Administrative Block at the Cellular Jail Complex, or to register over the phone before the February 28 deadline. Organisers said detailed guidelines for the competition would be provided at the time of registration.
The first three winners of the culinary contest will be rewarded, while all participants will get an opportunity to display and share traditional food items prepared for the occasion. Officials indicated that the competition is designed not as a commercial event but as a cultural exercise aimed at preserving traditional food practices linked to festivals.
The Holi programme will begin from 5.30 pm onwards, with the main cultural presentations scheduled for the evening. The programme will include traditional folk and devotional music, live Holi songs, and other cultural performances reflecting the festive spirit of the occasion.
A display and tasting of traditional Holi delicacies will also be part of the event, allowing visitors to experience a variety of festive preparations associated with the festival in different parts of the country. Organisers said the focus would remain on authenticity and cultural expression rather than competitive display alone.
Officials from the Directorate of Art and Culture stated that the event aims to promote cultural harmony and community bonding by encouraging participation from diverse sections of society. Public participation is expected to be a key element of the programme, with residents invited to attend and take part in the celebrations.
The administration has extended an open invitation to the general public to join the celebration, describing the event as an opportunity to experience Holi beyond colours, through music, food and shared cultural traditions. The programme is expected to draw residents from across the city and nearby areas, adding to the festive atmosphere in the run-up to the holiday.
