Port Blair, Dec. 26: The ITF Ground at VIP Road is all set to come alive with pomp and show as the five days gala event, Island Tourism Festival -2023 organized by A&N Administration is set to begin tomorrow (Dec.27). Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) as the chief guest will inaugurate the festival at the ITF Ground at 4.30 pm. The inaugural programme will also be graced by the Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Chief Secretary (I/C), A&N Administration, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, senior officers from the Administration.
This gala event is being organized by the Tourism Department in association with Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration. The inaugural programme will feature ‘Ganesh Vandana’ performance by differently abled artistes on wheelchairs who are associated with- ‘We Are One’. This will be followed by Choreography presentation titled ‘Tributes to lives lost in Tsunami 2004’ by well-known eminent choreographer from Delhi, Ms. Shohini Dutta. The evening will also witness Live Band performance by Nicobarese Artistes ‘Kuan Panam’ known for their soulful performance packed with electrifying guitarist and keyboard players.
The first day of Island Tourism Festival i.e., Dec.27 will showcase Rajasthani Folk Music Performances at 5.30 pm by artistes of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) at the ITF Ground. This will be followed by performance by ‘We are One’ at 6.30 pm and Choreography presentation by Ms Shohini Dutta at 7.30 pm and live Band Kuan Panam at 8 pm. Performance by artistes of Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre(EZCC) featuring Bihu Folk Dance of Assam, Rouf Folk Dance of Jammu& Kashmir and Faag, Panihari, Loor and Dhamal Folk Dance of Haryana from 9 pm onwards.
Meanwhile, hectic preparations are going on at the venue to make sure the Island Tourism Festival-2023 is a memorable one for all. The excitement can be seen among Islanders as well as the tourists who are waiting for the spectacular event to unfold on Dec.27. The five days festival, will see performances by artistes from mainland as well as the Islands at various designated venues for the entertainment of the Islanders and tourists alike. The event will be held at various locations viz., Island Tourism Festival Ground, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Ferrargunj, Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Hutbay, Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, Marina, Corbyn’s Cove etc. Different Departments of the Administration will also take part in the ITF and depict the developmental activities taking place in A&N Islands through their stalls.
The Island Tourism Festival (ITF) is one of the most awaited annual cultural events organized for the residents and tourists of Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the Directorate of IP&T. The main events are held at ITF Ground, Port Blair and several programmes are also organized all over the Islands. The various events at the ITF showcase traditional music, dance, art, local cuisine, and activities that highlight the Island's charm. Apart from showcasing talent of locals, renowned Artists from Mainland India also come to the Islands to perform. Visitors get a chance to immerse themselves in the India's culture, enjoying performances, exhibitions, food fairs and various merchandise and games. Tourists particularly enjoy the performances of artists especially reputed music bands, singers, dancers, performers etc.
The ITF will witness a series of cultural programme which have been planned to entertain the Islanders as well as tourists alike. Artistes from about 50 Local Cultural Organizations will present series of cultural programmes, depicting the rich cultural heritage of India to entertain the visitors on all the five days. Apart from this, 50 artistes from Eastern Zonal Cultural Organization (Assam, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana) will also perform and entertain the visitors during the ITF.
Other activities during the festival will include fun games for children at the ITF Ground. Apart from this, the Island Tourism Festival will also feature delicious food courts selling mouth-watering cuisines & eatables, attractive handicrafts etc. The RD Department will engage SHGs to set up stalls in different venues of the ITF-2023 to showcase their homemade products and handmade handicrafts.
The cultural programmes will be held at the ITF Ground from 4 pm to 10 pm. Shipping & Transport Departments have also made arrangement for additional ferry and bus services so that people from remote areas can enjoy the festival in Port Blair. The Islanders as well as visiting tourists have been invited to participate in the Island Tourism Festival and make it a memorable experience.
Meanwhile, the End of Scene band from Delhi will be performing at Swaraj Dweep on Dec. 27 and at Shaheed Dweep on Dec. 28. It is a rock band comprising of five creative, enthusiastic musicians from different areas of the country brought together for the sheer love of music. In the land reigned by Bollywood music, the band has created a distinct sound inspired by Radiohead, Led Zeppelin and John Mayer, to name a few. The band released their first single ‘Mary Jane’ in November 2021 followed by ‘Hold On Tight’ in February 2022.