Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 17: The Island Food Festival 2026 commenced on April 17 at the ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram, bringing together local communities, cultural groups and small vendors to showcase the diverse culinary and cultural landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the three-day festival will continue until April 19, with events scheduled daily from 5 pm to 9 pm. Officials said the initiative aims to promote local cuisine, support small businesses and highlight the cultural diversity of the islands.
Food stalls at the venue are being managed by local vendors, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and cultural associations. Visitors are being offered a range of traditional dishes presented by groups including Kannada Sangh, Bhojpuri Samaj, Moplas, Ranchi Association and Nicobari communities, reflecting the region’s multicultural identity.
Alongside the culinary offerings, the festival features a series of cultural programmes spread across all three days. These include music and dance performances by local artists, as well as awareness skits presented by the Andaman and Nicobar Police focusing on public outreach.
On April 17, the opening day programme includes performances by SAI Yoga Trust featuring artistic yoga acts, followed by a police awareness skit. Cultural performances continue with acts such as Garba dance by Anshika Hawladar and Anushkaa Roy, musical segments by Mari Jackson and Group, and presentations by Friends Cultural Group.
The schedule for April 18 includes performances by Jhankaar Dance Group presenting fusion and semi-classical routines, along with appearances by MJ Music Academy, Gauri Shankar, BNA and Melody Makers led by Shailender Singh and Group.
On April 19, the final day, the line-up features Garba dance performances, another police awareness skit, and musical acts by Geet Sangeet Group, Mari Jackson and Group, and BRW led by senior artist Waahid Shah and Group.
Officials stated that the festival is designed to provide a platform for local talent while encouraging community participation and cultural exchange. The event also aims to boost tourism engagement by offering visitors an immersive experience of the islands’ traditions and cuisines.
The Department of Tourism has invited residents and tourists to attend the festival and experience the culinary richness and cultural vibrancy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
