Island Tourism Festival celebrated in Port Blair at Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a ten-day long festival of dance, drama, and music. Exhibitions, displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna, and marine life, are part of the event. Aqua sports and para-sailing are added attractions.
The Island Tourism Festival is a celebration of culture, heritage, and natural beauty typically held on islands. These festivals often include a variety of events such as traditional music and dance performances, food fairs featuring local cuisine, craft exhibitions, and various water sports and activities that showcase the unique aspects of island life.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unique culture, where all religions, languages, ethnic groups live in total peace and harmony and hence it is rightly called Mini India. Port Blair has a cosmopolitan character where people of all walks of life live together in peace and tranquility. All major festivals are celebrated with equal zeal and fervor and attended by all religious groups.
Island Tourism Festival is a fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration every year (December - January) gives a festive look to the Islands. Government agencies and private entrepreneurs from the islands and Mainland India also attend the exhibition organized during the festival.
The exhibition highlights the developmental aspects of these islands. Cultural troupes and artistes of national and international fame are invited to perform during the festival apart from performances by the talents of these islands including tribals. Water sports competitions like Nicobari Hodi race are organized.
Other attractions are Magic show, Puppet show, Floating restaurant, Baby show, Dog show, Canoe Race and Scuba Diving. The festival projects the image of the islands as an eco-friendly tourist destination.
The themes include:
Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances that highlight the island's heritage.
Food and Drink: Stalls and fairs offering local delicacies and traditional dishes, often including seafood.
Crafts and Art: Exhibitions and sales of local crafts, artworks, and souvenirs.
Nature and Adventure Activities: Opportunities for visitors to engage in activities such as snorkeling, diving, boat tours, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Workshops and Demonstrations: Interactive sessions where visitors can learn about traditional crafts, cooking, and other cultural practices.
Parades and Street Performances: Vibrant parades featuring colorful costumes, music, and dance.
The Island Tourism Festival is a celebration of culture, heritage, and natural beauty typically held on islands. These festivals often include a variety of events such as traditional music and dance performances, food fairs featuring local cuisine, craft exhibitions, and various water sports and activities that showcase the unique aspects of island life.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unique culture, where all religions, languages, ethnic groups live in total peace and harmony and hence it is rightly called Mini India. Port Blair has a cosmopolitan character where people of all walks of life live together in peace and tranquility. All major festivals are celebrated with equal zeal and fervor and attended by all religious groups.
Island Tourism Festival is a fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration every year (December - January) gives a festive look to the Islands. Government agencies and private entrepreneurs from the islands and Mainland India also attend the exhibition organized during the festival.
The exhibition highlights the developmental aspects of these islands. Cultural troupes and artistes of national and international fame are invited to perform during the festival apart from performances by the talents of these islands including tribals. Water sports competitions like Nicobari Hodi race are organized.
Other attractions are Magic show, Puppet show, Floating restaurant, Baby show, Dog show, Canoe Race and Scuba Diving. The festival projects the image of the islands as an eco-friendly tourist destination.
The themes include:
Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances that highlight the island's heritage.
Food and Drink: Stalls and fairs offering local delicacies and traditional dishes, often including seafood.
Crafts and Art: Exhibitions and sales of local crafts, artworks, and souvenirs.
Nature and Adventure Activities: Opportunities for visitors to engage in activities such as snorkeling, diving, boat tours, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Workshops and Demonstrations: Interactive sessions where visitors can learn about traditional crafts, cooking, and other cultural practices.
Parades and Street Performances: Vibrant parades featuring colorful costumes, music, and dance.
How to Reach Port Blair
By Air
- Direct Flights: Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
- Airlines: Major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and GoAir operate flights to Port Blair.
By Sea
- Passenger Ships: Ships operated by the Shipping Corporation of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.
- Duration: The sea journey takes about 60-70 hours (3-4 days) depending on the port of departure and sea conditions.
- Schedule: The schedule is subject to change and should be checked in advance.
Local Transportation in Port Blair
- Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws: Readily available for getting around the city.
- Buses: Public and private buses operate on fixed routes.
- Rentals: Two-wheelers and cars can be rented for local travel.
Tips for Travel
- Book in Advance: Flights and ships can get fully booked, especially during tourist seasons.
- Check Weather Conditions: The Andaman Islands can experience heavy rains and cyclones, so it’s wise to check the weather forecast.
- Permits: Indian tourists do not need a special permit to visit Port Blair. However, permits are required for visiting certain restricted areas. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is available on arrival at Port Blair.
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