The Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with Kalapani Phaag Mandali, has scheduled a public cultural programme featuring Phaag, a traditional folk musical form of the islands, at Marina Esplanade on February 7 from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. The event is open to residents as well as tourists and is intended to present a lesser-known cultural tradition rooted in the region’s social history.
Phaag is identified as a folk song tradition introduced to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before 1900. Historically linked to seasonal festivities, the musical form is associated with the period between Vasant Panchami and Holi, commonly referred to as the Phagun Mahina. The songs have traditionally been performed during community celebrations, reflecting shared cultural practices that developed over generations in the islands.
Officials associated with the event have indicated that the programme is intended to bring attention to a cultural form that has seen declining public visibility over time. The presentation is positioned as part of broader efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage while making it accessible to contemporary audiences. The initiative also reflects attempts to document and sustain traditional artistic expressions that form part of the islands’ historical identity.
The organisers have emphasised that the event represents the composite cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where multiple traditions have historically coexisted and influenced one another. Phaag, in this context, is presented not only as a musical performance but also as a reflection of the islands’ evolving cultural landscape shaped by migration, settlement patterns and festive practices.
The programme at Marina Esplanade is expected to feature live renditions of Phaag songs, offering audiences an opportunity to observe a folk form that has historically been performed in communal and festive settings. By situating the event in a public venue, the organisers aim to broaden exposure to the tradition among both residents and visiting tourists.
Authorities have invited the public to attend the event and experience what has been described as a culturally significant yet gradually fading folk tradition. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by cultural and tourism institutions in the islands to promote heritage-based events that highlight local traditions while encouraging public engagement.
With the event scheduled for the evening of February 7, the programme forms part of continuing cultural outreach activities designed to showcase the artistic heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The presentation of Phaag at a public venue is expected to contribute to awareness about traditional folk expressions and their place within the broader cultural narrative of the islands.
