Sri Vijaya Puram, April 18: The three-day Island Food Festival 2026 commenced on April 17 at ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram, bringing together a wide spectrum of cuisines and cultural expressions from across India as represented in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the festival was inaugurated by Vinayak Chamadia, Director of Information, Publicity and Tourism. Scheduled daily from 5 pm to 9 pm until April 19, the event aims to highlight the islands’ cultural diversity through food, performances and community participation.
Officials described the festival as a platform that reflects the coexistence of multiple cultural identities in the islands, where communities from different parts of the country continue to preserve and share their traditions. The event underscores the region’s character as a convergence point of varied culinary practices and cultural influences.
Food stalls set up by local vendors, Self Help Groups and cultural associations are offering a range of traditional dishes. Participating groups include Kannada Sangh, Bhojpuri Samaj, Moplas, Ranchi Association and Nicobari communities, each presenting cuisines that represent their regional heritage.
The opening evening featured a series of cultural performances. Artistic yoga demonstrations by SAI Yoga Trust marked the beginning of the programme, with performances by Aaradhya and Gopikasri Darshini, followed by a pair yoga presentation by Afsheen and Amreen. A Garba dance performance by Anshika Hawladar and Anushkaa Roy followed, drawing attention from visitors.
An awareness skit staged by Andaman and Nicobar Police conveyed social messages through performance, alongside a cultural presentation by the department. A chess competition is also being conducted at the venue as part of the festival activities.
The inaugural day concluded with a musical performance by Allpha Musical, engaging the audience through live entertainment.
According to the schedule, the second day on April 18 will include performances by Jhankaar Dance Group featuring Thillana fusion and semi-classical presentations, followed by programmes from MJ Music Academy, Gauri Shankar, BNA and Melody Makers led by Shailender Singh and group.
On April 19, the final day will feature a repeat Garba performance by Anshika Hawladar and Anushkaa Roy, along with another awareness skit by Andaman and Nicobar Police. Cultural performances by DNA, Geet Sangeet Musical Group, Mari Jackson and Group, and BRW led by Waahid Shah are scheduled through the evening.
The Department of Tourism has invited residents and visitors to attend the remaining days of the festival, highlighting it as an opportunity to experience a range of culinary traditions and cultural performances that define the islands.
