A special literary evening dedicated to poetry, titled ‘Kavya Sandhya’, will be held on February 20 as part of the ongoing Andaman & Nicobar Book Fair 2026, with the Art & Culture Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration inviting participation from local poets across languages. The event is scheduled to take place at 6:30 pm and aims to provide a platform for creative expression within the celebration of books and ideas.
The poetry session forms part of the literary segment of the book fair, which has been drawing steady public engagement through author interactions, discussions and cultural activities. Kavya Sandhya is expected to add a reflective and artistic dimension to the fair by highlighting poetry as a medium that captures individual voices, social experiences and shared imagination.
According to the announcement, local poets interested in participating will be given an opportunity to present their creative works on stage in any language. The open-language format is intended to reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the islands, while encouraging wider participation from writers and performers associated with different literary traditions.
Officials associated with the Art & Culture Department indicated that the poetry evening is designed to complement the fair’s larger objective of promoting reading, writing and cultural dialogue. By integrating poetry into the programme, the department aims to create a space for introspection and artistic exchange amid the fair’s commercial and interactive elements.
The Andaman & Nicobar Book Fair 2026 has already witnessed enthusiastic attendance from readers, students and writers, with stalls, discussions and cultural programmes contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. The inclusion of Kavya Sandhya is expected to further enrich the experience by drawing attention to local literary talent and fostering connections between poets and audiences.
Poetry, organisers noted, continues to play a significant role in shaping cultural narratives and preserving collective memory. Events such as Kavya Sandhya are seen as opportunities to bring poetry closer to the public, particularly younger audiences who may be encountering live literary performances for the first time.
Interested poets have been advised to contact the designated coordinator from the Art & Culture Department for participation and coordination. Organisers have emphasised that the event is open and inclusive, encouraging both established and emerging poets to take part.
With Kavya Sandhya, the Book Fair is set to conclude its literary sessions on a contemplative note, underscoring the role of poetry in sustaining cultural dialogue and creative expression within the island community.
