Today being Sunday, holiday for all, saw a significant surge in attendance at the main venue of Island Tourism Festival (ITF) 2025, with huge crowds enjoying cultural performances, handicrafts and food, as the popular annual event, inaugurated yesterday, aimed to boost local tourism and showcase Island life, attracting both tourists and locals. The festival is being organized at ITF Ground by the Tourism Department in association with the Department of Art & culture and other line Departments of A&N Administration, featured diverse artists and attractions, aiming for a lively, transformational tourism year for the A&N Islands. Vehicles approaching to the main venue made a beeline giving a tough time to the traffic personnel to maintain smooth traffic flow.
At the ITF Main Pavilion, the evening opened on an elegant note with performances by Aditya Natya Academy, followed by KRG Kalai Kaveri School. Artistes of the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) mesmerised the audience with powerful presentations of Singarimelam, Theyyam and Martial Arts, while the vibrant folk dance Badherbai by artistes from Jammu & Kashmir added a distinctive regional flavour.
The cultural fervour continued with graceful performances by Vikas Academy, Balakrishna Nritya Academy and Gauri Shankara Classical Dance Academy, reflecting the depth and discipline of classical traditions. The evening culminated on a high note with an energetic musical performance by The Kalapani Band, leaving the audience spellbound. The Shompen Hut and the Nicobari Hodi setup in the ITF ground has become the main attraction for the people.
Running parallel, the Marina Esplanade remained abuzz with cultural programmes. Classical dance presentations by Mudra Academy of Classical Dance and Kailashpathi Classical Dance Academy set the tone, followed by spirited performances by the Jhankar Dance Group. Artistes of SZCC presented a colourful medley of traditional art forms including Theyyam, Marakkalattam, Karagam, Oyil and Thappattam, highlighting the vibrancy of India’s folk heritage. Adding further variety, performances by Inspiration Dance Studio, Youth Club Ograbraj (Karaoke) and the Police Band kept the atmosphere lively and engaging. The evening also featured captivating folk and tribal dances and music by artistes of the Directorate of Culture & Language, Chhattisgarh, alongside melodious karaoke performances by the Friends Cultural Group and Event Musical Group, drawing loud applause from the gathered audience.
The multi-venue celebrations once again underlined the Island Tourism Festival’s role as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, promoting unity in diversity and celebrating the rich artistic traditions of India in a festive Island setting.
At Wimberlygunj, cultural events were organised in the evening. Performances included Jhumurr (Shastriya-Lok) by Nrityangan, dances by Sri Sitaramanjaneya Youth Club, Sambalpuri dance by artistes of the East Zone Cultural Centre (EZCC), and Kathak by artistes of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow. Folk forms such as Ras from Gujarat, along with performances by Kalangan, The Island Development and Swaraj Youth Club, kept the audience engaged, while Arpan Music Academy (Live Band) delivered a rousing conclusion.
Cultural programmes were also held at Hutbay, Baratang, Rangat and Car Nicobar, ensuring Island-wide participation in the festivities.
At Hutbay, performances were presented by the Sri Sitaramanjaneya Temple Committee and the Nritya Academy of Classical Dance.
At Baratang, a Mahamaya/Netaji-themed creative dance by artistes of EZCC and a Sangeet Musical Group performance drew appreciation.
At Rangat, SZCC artistes showcased traditional forms including Marakkalattam, Karagam, Oyil, Martial Arts, Thappattam, Thira and Theyyam, followed by a karaoke performance by Srishti Cultural Group.
At Car Nicobar, SZCC artistes presented Marakkalattam, Karagam, Oyiil, Martial Arts, Thappattam, Thira, Theyyam with an impressive repertoire of traditional and ritual dances, followed by a lively karaoke programme by Dream World Entertainer.
The widespread celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from locals and visitors alike, reinforcing the Island Tourism Festival’s role as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of India’s rich artistic traditions.
