Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) 14: Applications have been invited for a series of cooking competitions to be held during the Island Food Festival 2026, scheduled from April 17 to April 19 at ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram. The three-day culinary event will be organised under the theme “A celebration of Taste, Culture & Tradition.”
The competition has been structured across three separate days, each highlighting a distinct culinary and artistic category rooted in local produce and creative presentation. Organisers have specified that only no-fire preparations will be permitted throughout the event.
On April 17, participants will compete in the “Refresh & Revive – Island Welcome Drink” category. Entries are required to feature locally available ingredients such as mango, coconut, musk melon, and chikoo, focusing on innovative beverage preparation using island produce.
The second day, April 18, will feature a fruit and vegetable carving competition. Participants will be tasked with creating artistic carvings using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, highlighting skill, precision, and visual presentation.
On April 19, the final day will host a theme-based cake decoration competition. Entries will be evaluated on design execution and alignment with the festival’s cultural and culinary theme.
Participants are required to bring their own ingredients and utensils for all categories. Organisers have clarified that judging will be based on creativity, taste, presentation, hygiene, and adherence to the assigned theme. Winners will be awarded trophies and certificates.
Interested candidates must submit their applications in the prescribed format available on the official tourism department website under the “What’s New” section. Entries must be sent to [email protected] on or before April 15, 2026 by 10 am.
The registration process is being coordinated by designated officials. For participation-related queries, applicants may contact Smti. Anila Ekka, Head Clerk, Directorate of IP&T, or Smti. Reshma, Consultant, Rural Development Department, through the provided contact numbers. Further clarifications can also be obtained from the Manager (Tourism/Operations/GH), Directorate of IP&T.
The initiative aims to promote culinary creativity while highlighting local produce and traditional food culture as part of the broader Island Food Festival programme.
