Port Blair: The aroma of regional delicacies, the rhythm of folk performances and the vibrancy of community celebrations marked the opening of the three-day Monsoon Food & Spice Festival-2026 at the ITF Ground here on Saturday, ushering in one of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ most-awaited annual tourism events. Organised by the Tourism Department in collaboration with various line departments, the festival, themed Monsoon Flavours, was inaugurated by South Andaman Additional District Magistrate Priyanka Kumari, who visited the stalls, interacted with exhibitors and sampled the diverse culinary offerings.
A key attraction of the annual Monsoon Carnival, featured in the Tourism Calendar of Fairs & Festivals, the event celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage while showcasing the Islands’ cultural diversity, local entrepreneurship and vibrant community spirit. Around 25 stalls and three kiosks have been set up by State Associations, local entrepreneurs, restaurants, hoteliers, Self-Help Groups and Government departments, offering an eclectic mix of traditional, regional and contemporary cuisines, homemade products and local delicacies. Live kitchen counters serving flavours from across the country drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the evening.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were captivating cultural performances by M.J. Musical, Balakrishna Nritya Academy, LEAD the Band, Alpha Musical Group and Soul Musical Association, while indoor chess and arm-wrestling competitions organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Education emerged as another major crowd-puller.
The festival aims to promote traditional culinary knowledge, healthy eating, local talent and entrepreneurship while providing residents and tourists an immersive monsoon experience. The Monsoon Food & Spice Festival-2026 will continue at the ITF Pavilion from 4 pm to 9 pm on June 28 and 29, inviting visitors to savour India’s diverse flavours under one roof.
