Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 11: The Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has announced the Island Food Festival 2026, a three-day public cultural and culinary event scheduled from 17 to 19 April 2026 at ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram. The festival, themed “A Celebration of Taste, Culture & Tradition,” will run daily cultural programmes from 5 pm to 9 pm, combining entertainment, awareness messaging, and community participation.
The event is designed as a large-scale platform to highlight the culinary diversity, cultural traditions, and heritage of the islands while also engaging the public through performances that address social awareness. Officials stated that the programme will include performances and skits focused on emerging issues related to safety, security, and responsible citizenship, aimed at educating and sensitising audiences.
The Department has invited applications from individuals, cultural associations, and students from schools and colleges to participate in the cultural segment of the festival. Entries are open for folk, traditional and classical dance forms, contemporary and bolly-hop performances, singing, skits, puppet shows, instrumental music, self-composed poetry, live band performances, and karaoke in solo, duet, and group formats.
Participants are required to submit programme details, artist information, duration, and audio-visual recordings. Selection will be made based on performance quality, creativity, originality, group coordination, and relevance to the festival theme. The Selection Committee will make the final decision, which will be binding. The Department will provide stage facilities, sound systems, and audience arrangements, while participation remains voluntary and without remuneration. Selected performers will receive certificates and appreciation mementoes.
Alongside cultural programmes, the festival will also host cooking competitions under the theme “Cooking without Fire: A Journey towards Nutritious Living.” The competitions are scheduled across the three days of the event.
On 17 April 2026, participants will compete in “Refresh & Revive – Island Welcome Drinks,” using local ingredients such as mango and coconut. The second day, 18 April, will feature fruit and vegetable carving using locally available produce. On 19 April, the final competition will focus on theme-based cake decoration aligned with the festival’s central theme.
Organisers have specified that participants must bring their own raw materials, utensils, and ingredients. Only pre-cooked, ready-to-eat, or raw food items are allowed, as no heating devices will be permitted. Participants are required to report one hour prior to registration, and the use of fresh, hygienic, and locally sourced ingredients has been encouraged.
Judging criteria will include creativity, innovation, taste and flavour, presentation, hygiene, and adherence to the theme. Winners across categories will be awarded by the Department of Tourism. Officials have stated that the festival aims to provide exposure to participants while promoting local art, culture, and healthy culinary practices.
Entries for cooking competitions and related queries can be obtained through designated contact persons in the Department, while cultural performance applications must be submitted via the official email and contact channels before 15 April 2026 by 4 pm.
