Sri Vijaya Puram, July 17: The Department of Tourism has launched the second edition of the Monsoon Food and Culture Festival 2026 today at the ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram, bringing together local cuisine, cultural performances, handicrafts and government exhibitions in a three-day event aimed at promoting the Islands’ tourism and cultural heritage.
The festival, being held from July 17 to 19 as part of the Tourism Calendar of Events 2026–27, will begin daily from 5 pm. It is designed to showcase the Islands’ culinary traditions, cultural diversity, handicrafts and locally produced goods while providing a platform for local entrepreneurs, artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), government departments and tourism stakeholders.
One of the key attractions of this year’s festival is the participation of the Karen Community from Mayabunder. Visitors will witness the community’s Traditional Bamboo Dance and Traditional Welcome Dance, along with traditional cuisines from the Nicobar group of Islands.
The event will also feature participation from various State Cultural Associations, hotels and restaurants including TSG, Chai Sutta Bar, Icy Spicy, Kabab & Roll Restaurant, Chocolate House, Shifa Catering and Muggle’s Point (Bathu Basti). Local SHGs and the Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA) are also participating in the festival.
Government departments including Agriculture, Tribal Welfare, Industries, Fisheries, Social Welfare, Science and Technology, Rural Development, Police and the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) will showcase their initiatives and public services during the festival.
Cultural programmes have been scheduled across all three evenings, featuring performances by local musicians, dance academies, community organisations, cultural associations and live bands.
Today’s inaugural programme includes performances by the A&N Police Band, Indian Navy Band, a Classical Fusion Dance by Akhanya Sujith, the Karen Community’s Traditional Welcome Dance and a live musical performance by the Geet Sangeet Musical Group.
On July 18, performances will include KRG Kalai Kaveri School, Dance Nritya Academy, the Karen Community’s Traditional Bamboo Dance and singers from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
The concluding day on July 19 will feature performances by Natyanjali Classical Dance Academy, MY Bharat/Suron Ka Safar by Andaman Mahila Mandal, a traditional dance by the Karen Community, Odissi Nritya and a live performance by Kalapani Band.
As part of the festival, the Department of Science and Technology has organised a painting competition in junior and senior categories on the theme “Save Environment, Save Our Earth.” Selected paintings will be displayed during the festival, while winners will be honoured during the valedictory function.
The Department of Tourism has invited residents and tourists to participate in the festival and experience the Islands’ food, music, traditions and cultural heritage over the three-day event.
