Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 3: The Department of Tourism, A&N Administration has opened applications for participation in the Island Food Festival 2026, inviting food vendors, self-help groups, associations, and hospitality stakeholders to register for the three-day event scheduled at ITF Ground.
The festival, set to be held from April 17 to April 19, aims to provide a platform for showcasing local, regional, and national cuisines while enabling participants to expand their market reach and visibility. Authorities have invited applications from a wide range of participants, including state associations, SHGs, hoteliers, restaurant owners, catering institutions, and homemakers, with a focus on quality, hygiene, and creativity.
Officials stated that the festival will operate daily from 4 pm to 9 pm, featuring food stalls, live kitchens, and recreational activities designed to attract both residents and visitors. The event is expected to create a vibrant environment with diverse culinary offerings and public engagement.
Applications, along with detailed guidelines, can be obtained from the Operational Unit of the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) in Sri Vijaya Puram. The last date for submission of completed application forms is April 9 at 3 pm.
The allotment of stalls will be conducted through a lottery system, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity for all applicants. The allotment process is scheduled for April 12, followed by the issuance of allotment letters on the same day, as per official timelines.
According to the notified structure, stalls for selected state associations and self-help groups will be provided on a rent-free basis. For other categories, the rental charges have been fixed based on stall type. Live kitchen stalls will be available at a rate of ₹13,500 for three days, calculated at ₹4,500 per day, with a security deposit of ₹6,000 per stall.
Stalls for cooked or packed homemade food and health drinks have been priced at ₹10,500 for the duration of the festival. Additionally, open spaces for activities such as fun games and inflatable setups will be allotted at a rate of ₹486.11 per square metre.
Officials indicated that the structured allocation process and category-based pricing aim to ensure orderly participation and smooth conduct of the festival. The event is positioned as an opportunity for small-scale vendors and local entrepreneurs to engage directly with consumers while promoting culinary diversity.
Participants seeking further clarification have been advised to contact the designated operational official at the Directorate of IP&T.
The Island Food Festival is expected to bring together a range of food-based enterprises under a regulated framework, supporting local economic activity and tourism engagement through a curated public event.
