Mohammed Sajid
Port Blair, Sep 25: The Directorate of Tourism is organizing Food Festival on the occasion of World Tourism Day being celebrated from 27th Sept to 29th Sept, 2013 at ITF ground. This is the third year such festival is being organized by this department. The concepts of organizing such events are to attract more number of tourists making Andaman & Nicobar Islands as all season destination apart from entertaining local people.
Mr. Viswakannan, Director of Tourism (i/c) while addressing a press conference informed that the theme of World Tourism Day this year is ‘Tourism and Water: Protecting our common future and the tourism department has made all arrangements to greet incoming tourist on 27/9/2013 at airport in a traditional way as done every year. He also informed that all the museums will be kept entry free for visitors on the occasion of World Tourism Day and the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration
will inaugurate the festival on 27/9/2013 at 6.00 p.m. by Lighting of lamp at ITF ground. Food Stalls will be displayed by the State Cultural Organizations / Community Groups located in A & N Islands to showcase their traditional food and cultural milieu of the state in this occasion. He added that this year eight State associations / Cultural groups are participating in the food festival.
He further informed that India Tourism, Industry department and Directorate of Health Services will also put up their stalls to show case their activities. A welfare Trust (SAAHSWT) arranging free yoga Therapy Camps and yoga awareness programme at the venue. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the food stalls. 1st Prize is Rs. 50,000/- 2nd Prize is Rs. 30,000/- and 3rd prize is Rs. 20,000/-. Participation fee of Rs. 10,000/- will be given to rest of the participants in food stall category.
He further informed that cultural classical programmes are being organized through local cultural classical groups and will be showcased on all days from 6 Pm to 8 pm. He also added that the food stalls will function on all days from 3 PM to 10 PM and the concluding function will be held on 29/09/2013 at 6:00 Pm. The entry to the festival is kept free and the Directorate has invited all for the function.
