The Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with allied departments, is set to host the Island Coconut Festival 2025 on October 9 and 10 at the ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram. Themed “Celebrating Coconut – Culture, Cuisine & Crafts of the Islands”, the festival will spotlight island traditions, culinary creativity, and artisan skills in an inclusive two-day celebration.
Scheduled between 3 PM and 10 PM on both days, the festival promises an immersive experience for residents and visitors. Cultural performances, coconut-inspired food competitions, handicraft exhibits, and interactive games will form the core attractions, while local entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be given space to showcase their work, generate income, and connect with wider audiences.
The Tourism Department has designed the event as a blend of entertainment and community participation. The programme will feature folk dances and musical shows to represent the cultural vibrancy of the islands. Adding a unique touch, competitions inspired by the coconut tree will be held to engage the public directly.
A de-husking competition for men and women will be organized in association with the Agriculture Department, highlighting traditional skills that remain relevant across the islands. The cooking competition will encourage participants to innovate with coconut as the central ingredient, presenting dishes that combine traditional methods with modern culinary flair. Handicraft contests will focus on creating artistic and functional items using different parts of the coconut tree, showcasing the versatility of the crop. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners, making the contests competitive and attractive.
The Department of Education and Sports will also play a role by setting up a games corner at the pavilion, creating recreational spaces for visitors of all ages. Officials said that this interactive addition aims to make the festival a family-friendly event where entertainment goes hand in hand with cultural and culinary activities.
Tourism officials emphasized that the Island Coconut Festival is not merely an annual event but a significant platform for promoting local culture, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. For SHGs and small-scale artisans, the festival provides an opportunity to display coconut-based products, handicrafts, and culinary innovations to a broader audience. By offering a sales and marketing platform, the event supports income generation while preserving indigenous traditions.
The public has been invited to participate actively in the competitions. Registration is open at the Tourism Department office, and interested individuals can also contact the Manager (Operations) over phone at 9933255364. Organizers noted that timely registration would help ensure smooth participation in the various contests planned.
Tourism Department officials highlighted that the Coconut Festival represents the islands’ deep cultural and ecological connection with the coconut tree. Long regarded as the “tree of life,” the coconut plays a central role in the livelihoods, cuisine, and handicraft traditions of the region. By celebrating the coconut in its many forms, from food and crafts to folklore and games, the festival underscores its enduring significance in island life.
The upcoming edition is expected to draw large crowds, given its mix of cultural performances, live competitions, artisan stalls, and food corners. Organizers said that special efforts have been made to ensure inclusivity and participation across genders and age groups. They also underlined the collaborative nature of the event, with multiple departments contributing expertise and resources.
The two-day Island Coconut Festival 2025 is expected to serve as both a community celebration and a tourism draw, reflecting the Administration’s commitment to promoting the cultural heritage of the islands while supporting local economic opportunities.
