Port Blair, Jan 03: The tourism department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is all set to host the annual carnival of remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the ‘Island Tourism Festival’ from 5th to 15th January 2013 across 18 venues in A & N Islands.
Addressing a press conference this morning, the Director of Andaman’s Tourism Department, Mr. Amit Satija said that attractions of this year’s festival is the blend of classical, folk, ethnic art forms of India with popular forms of India with popular form of entertainment like mega shows of Bollywood and TV fame artists, comedy shows, Kawali etc. while most of the actions are centered in the capital city of Port Blair, the tourism department has taken initiatives to provide opportunity to people of far-flung islands right from extreme South Campbell Bay to North Diglipur to enjoy the cultural feast.
“The Indian-idol fame singer Mr. Parashar Joshi and team will be travelling to outer islands like Campbell Bay, Kamorta, Carnicobar, Hut Bay, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Rangat, Mayabunder , Diglipur to entertain people along with Kolkata based rock band ‘Out of Control Bengalis’. Coinciding with the ITF, two other festivals namely Carnic Fest and Diglipur Vikas Mela are also being organized. The department has engaged professional event managers for organizing the special events this time,” Mr. Satija added.
In the classical front, performance of flute maestro Padmavibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chouresia will be the star attraction. This performance is arranged in association with SPIC MACAY local chapter at the BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology Auditorium (BRAIT) Port Blair.
In the folk and ethnic art forms, about 200 artists from South Zone, East Zone Cultural Centers, Song and Drama Division will be travelling to perform in venues like ITF Ground, Amphitheatre, (Port Blair) Bhatubhasti, Wimberlygunj, Wandoor, Carnicobar, Baratang, Havelock and Neil Island.
In addition, 50 local cultural organizations will also be performing during the 10-day festival displaying talents of more than 500 artists through Art & Culture Department.
“In the popular entertainment category, mega show of Bollywood play back singer Neeraj Shridhar and Ms. Sara Shrawan (Film and TV Artist) is the event to look for. They will be backed up by performance of Bollywood dance troupe choreographed by Sri. Sumeet and Sri Sahil,” the Director added.
For Kawali audience, famous Sabri brothers (Sri Aftab Sabri and Sri Hashim Sabri) will be performing along with bollywood dancers. The festival will also see the comedy show of TV fame Ms. Bharati and VIP, he said.
The Island Tourism Festival will also have usual ingredients to attract tourist like, Floating Restaurant, Fruit and Vegetable show (at Sippighat farm), Baby show, pet shows, exhibition of stalls of government departments, mainland state tourism corporations (Delhi & Andhra Pradesh), private entrepreneurs, food courts, fireworks display and many more.
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