The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T) Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, is set to host the Island Sea Food Festival – 2026 on January 15 and 16 at Marina Park Stretch Road, Sri Vijaya Puram. The festival is being organised with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, highlighting the significance of fisheries and seafood culture in the islands.
As part of the festival, the Department of Fisheries will conduct a Traditional Boat Race at the Fish Landing Centre, Junglighat, on January 15 at 9:30 AM. The race is exclusively open to non-motorized fishing boats (Halis dinghy) that hold valid registration, fishing licences, and Fisher ID Cards. Each boat is permitted a maximum of two crew members, and the wearing of life jackets is mandatory for all participants to ensure safety.
Officials have invited owners of non-motorized fishing boats from South Andaman District to register their willingness to participate in the race. Interested participants must submit details of their boat, the names of crew members, and copies of the Fisher ID Cards to the Zonal Fisheries Office, South Andaman. The last date for registration is January 14, giving authorities time to verify documentation and confirm entries before the race.
The Island Sea Food Festival is expected to attract a large number of locals and tourists, showcasing a variety of seafood dishes, promoting the region’s fishing heritage, and encouraging public participation in cultural and recreational activities. Alongside the boat race, the festival aims to provide a platform for local fishers and culinary vendors to highlight their products and traditional practices, further supporting the island’s fisheries economy.
Festival organisers have emphasised strict adherence to safety and regulatory measures for the boat race, particularly regarding the use of life jackets and compliance with fishing licenses. Officials have also stated that the event will be monitored closely to ensure fair participation and smooth execution of the races.
The Island Sea Food Festival – 2026 and its accompanying events, including the traditional boat race, underscore the Administration’s commitment to promoting fisheries, maritime heritage, and cultural tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Organisers have encouraged residents and tourists to attend the festival, enjoy the culinary and cultural experiences, and support local fishing communities.
With the final registrations closing on January 14, the Department of Fisheries is preparing to coordinate race logistics, safety measures, and festival arrangements to ensure a successful and well-attended event over the two-day celebration.
