The cultural richness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be on display as the Directorate of Art and Culture prepares to host a vibrant programme marking the World Day of Folklore at Tagore Government College of Education in Sri Vijaya Puram. Scheduled for August 30 at 5 pm, the event will bring together folk dances, traditional songs, and heritage talks to celebrate oral traditions and community identity in the islands.
The programme will feature an inter-collegiate folk dance competition, giving students from across institutions a platform to showcase traditional styles. School teams that previously won in folk song competitions will also present their performances, adding to the diversity of the evening. These performances are designed to highlight the richness of island traditions while encouraging younger generations to engage with cultural practices that might otherwise fade in a rapidly modernising society.
Alongside the performances, the event has been designed to include storytelling and historical narratives that anchor the celebration in the islands’ unique past. Historian Rashida Iqbal will deliver a session titled “Andaman ke Kisse,” focusing on pre-independence narratives and stories that shaped the cultural memory of the islands. This talk is expected to offer audiences insights into how folklore intertwined with the islands’ colonial history and local traditions. Complementing this, Dr. Jochibed Vincent of ANCOL will present “Nicobar ke Kisse,” delving into myths, legends, and indigenous tales from the Nicobar Islands. Together, these talks promise to expand the scope of the programme beyond entertainment, offering audiences an authentic glimpse into the oral heritage of different island communities.
The inclusion of such academic perspectives highlights the programme’s dual purpose: to entertain and to educate. By weaving cultural performances with historical and anthropological narratives, the event aims to provide a layered understanding of folklore as both a living art form and a historical archive. This approach also reinforces the idea that folklore is not only about artistic expression but also about preserving memory, transmitting values, and maintaining community identity.
To further encourage participation, trophies and certificates will be awarded to the winners of the folk dance competitions. Recognition of student efforts is expected to motivate broader interest in folklore and validate the role of young people in carrying traditions forward. For many participants, performing in front of a public audience provides both exposure and encouragement to continue exploring cultural roots.
The timing of the event, close to the global observance of World Day of Folklore on August 22, situates the islands within an international conversation on the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Around the world, folklore has increasingly been recognised as a crucial part of cultural sustainability, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their diverse tribal and settler communities, hold a wealth of traditions worth documenting and promoting.
As the programme unfolds, it is expected to offer audiences more than just a showcase of dances and songs. It represents a symbolic tribute to the cultural legacy of the islands, demonstrating how folklore can continue to inspire, educate, and entertain. The event stands as a reminder that even in an era of rapid change, traditional stories, songs, and performances remain deeply relevant, carrying forward the voices and wisdom of past generations into the present.
