Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 10: The Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration has extended the deadline for submission of applications for stalls at the Island Food Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from April 17 to 19 at ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram.
Officials confirmed that applicants can now submit their forms until April 13, 2026, by 4 pm, as part of efforts to ensure wider participation in the festival themed “A Celebration of Taste, Culture & Tradition.”
Despite receiving a significant number of applications from food vendors, self-help groups, restaurant owners, and government departments, authorities stated that 15 stalls remain unallotted. Fresh applications have therefore been invited from interested individuals, hoteliers, non-governmental organisations, State cultural associations, and other stakeholders.
The festival aims to showcase local cuisine and promote traditional art and handicrafts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Organisers have also opened opportunities for participants interested in displaying or selling traditional handicrafts and cultural products, expanding the scope of the event beyond food.
As per the notified structure, stalls for State associations and self-help groups will be provided on a rent-free basis. Food stalls involving live cooking will be charged ₹4,500 per day with a refundable security deposit of ₹6,000. Stalls for packed food and handicrafts will be available at ₹3,500 per day. Open spaces designated for fun games, promotional activities, and similar setups will be allotted at ₹486.11 per square metre for the three-day duration.
The allocation of stalls will be conducted through a lottery system to ensure fairness and transparency. Officials indicated that the process will follow the terms and conditions specified in the application form.
Application forms, along with detailed guidelines, can be obtained and submitted at the Operational Section of the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism in Sri Vijaya Puram. Authorities have also provided contact numbers for queries related to the application process and event participation.
The Island Food Festival remains one of the key cultural events in the islands, aimed at bringing together diverse communities and showcasing the region’s culinary and cultural heritage. The extension of the application deadline is expected to encourage broader participation and ensure optimal utilization of available space at the venue.
Officials reiterated that timely submission of applications is essential for consideration in the allotment process and urged interested participants to complete the formalities within the extended deadline.
