The Island Tourism Festival (ITF) 2025 will be celebrated across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from December 27 to 31, with the ITF Ground at Sri Vijaya Puram serving as the main venue, as the annual cultural event returns with an expanded programme spread across multiple islands and districts.
The festival, organised by the Art and Culture Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, is expected to transform the archipelago into a hub of cultural activity, bringing together local traditions and artistic expressions from different parts of the country. Alongside Sri Vijaya Puram, cultural programmes will be organised at venues including VIP Road, Marina Esplanade, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Hut Bay in South Andaman. The celebrations will also extend to Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur in North and Middle Andaman, as well as Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay in the Nicobar group of islands.
For the first time, cultural troupes from multiple States and Union Territories will participate in the Island Tourism Festival alongside local organisations, marking a broader national presence at the event. Renowned institutions such as the South Zone Cultural Centre and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre will collaborate with island-based groups to present a diverse range of classical, folk, and tribal art forms.
According to the programme details, performances by the South Zone Cultural Centre will include Mayooranrithyam, Thira, Theyyam, Marakkalattam, Karagam, Oyiil Dummy Horse, Thappattam, Singarimelam, and martial arts. The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre is scheduled to present Sambalpuri Mahamaya and Netaji-themed creative dance performances.
Adding to the variety, artistes from the Directorate of Culture and Language, Chhattisgarh, will showcase folk and tribal traditions from the region, while Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow, will present Kathak performances. Cultural groups from Jamnagar, Gujarat, are set to perform Ras Leela, and artistes from Jammu and Kashmir will present folk dances including Jagarna, Rouff, Phardi, and Badherbi.
The festival aims to present a blend of mainland and island traditions, highlighting the cultural diversity of India while offering islanders and visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of art forms in a single platform. The administration stated that the festival is intended not only as a cultural showcase but also as a celebration of unity in diversity.
Island Tourism Festival has traditionally been a key event in the year-end calendar of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, drawing residents and tourists alike. The 2025 edition is expected to further strengthen cultural exchange and promote tourism through large-scale public participation and multi-location programming.
With performances scheduled across urban centres, rural areas, and remote islands, the festival reflects an effort to decentralise cultural activities and ensure wider access to major events. The administration indicated that the expanded geographic spread of ITF 2025 is aimed at ensuring that communities across the islands are able to participate in and benefit from the celebrations.
The five-day festival is expected to conclude on December 31, marking the end of the year with cultural performances that celebrate India’s artistic heritage across generations and regions.
