The ongoing Island Tourism Festival (ITF) 2025 witnessed large crowds at the ITF Ground as the five-day festival entered its third day on December 29. The festival, organized by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism with support from the Department of Art & Culture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, aims to highlight the Islands as a premier tourist destination while celebrating the region’s cultural diversity.
The evening saw a series of live performances from artistes from both the mainland and the Islands. Audiences were treated to an array of presentations including classical and folk dances, musical recitals, and instrumental performances. The venue, illuminated with colourful lights and accompanied by high-voltage music, attracted families, tourists, and residents, creating a festive atmosphere. Children enjoyed games set up at the venue while food stalls offering Indian cuisines and local delicacies drew significant attention.
Various government departments, including Agriculture, Fisheries, Industries, Rural Development, and municipal councils from North, Middle, and South Andaman, participated by setting up informational stalls and showcasing handicrafts. The festival also featured Flower, Fruits, and Vegetable shows organized by the Department of Agriculture.
The main pavilion hosted cultural performances throughout the evening, beginning with Jhumurr (Shastriya-Lok) by Nrityangan, followed by creative dance presentations by artistes from EZCC, West Bengal, and Laksh Institute of Shiksha. The audience also enjoyed Thaiyyam performances by SZCC artistes. Evening sessions included musical performances by M.J. Music Academy and artistes from Jammu & Kashmir, concluding with a live band presentation by Unity Orchestra.
The Marina Esplanade featured a packed schedule with skits, semi-classical dance performances, and live musical acts. Participating groups included Sur Saptak – A Sangeet Academy, Ras from Gujarat, Saras Dance Academy, Balkrishna Nritya Academy, Naach Academy of Performing Arts, Andaman Islands Film Society, and Melody Mix.
In Wandoor, audiences were entertained with folk and tribal performances, rituals, and dances by artistes from EZCC, Chhattisgarh, and Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow. Karaoke shows by Friends Cultural Group, Youth Club Ograbraj, and Kalangan added an interactive element for festival-goers.
Northern regions of the Islands, including Mayabunder and Diglipur, also hosted cultural programmes. Performances included Mahamaya/Netaji-themed creative dance, traditional folk arts such as Marakkalattam, Karagam, Oyil, Thappattam, Thira, Theyyam, martial arts, and karaoke shows by Sangeet Musical Group and Srishti Cultural Group.
The diverse cultural displays across venues highlighted India’s rich artistic heritage while promoting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a hub for tourism and cultural exchange. Festival organizers emphasized the event as a platform for local artistes to showcase their talents and interact with their counterparts from mainland India.
The Island Tourism Festival 2025 will continue until December 31, offering residents and tourists alike opportunities to experience cultural performances, local cuisine, handicrafts, and educational exhibits, reinforcing the Islands’ identity as a vibrant tourist and cultural destination.
