Festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a group of Islands that lies on the Bay of Bengal. Though it is a part of India, it is geographically closer to Indonesia and Burma. Andaman and Nicobar Islands has become a main tourist attraction mainly for two reasons, one because of its natural beauty and the other because it was a crucial part of the Indian freedom struggle as this island was the prison where criminals and freedom fighters were kept. Another thing that you should not miss is the festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The festivals in this island are celebrated with great pomp which you should not miss at any chance.

The people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands belong to different communities and religions. The island is populated with people who speak languages like Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu, etc. The religions practiced here include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, etc. Apart from this, you will also find tribal groups who have their own culture and religions.

Due to this diversity in the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, festivals of all these religions are celebrated here. For e.g. Hindus celebrate festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, etc. while Muslims celebrate Id and Christians celebrate festivals like Christmas, Easter, etc. However, there are some festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands that should be given a special mention. While some of these festivals are religious, some reveal and focus on the cultural life of this place.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is a religious festival of Hindus where they celebrate the birth of one of the main Hindu deities, Lord Krishna. Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, it has a special fervor in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and so is considered to be one of the important festivals of this place. Janmashtami usually comes in August or September and on this day; each house on this island is decorated in such a way that they resemble the events that took place before, during and after the birth of Lord Krishna. The tribal groups of this land also arrange skits and plays about the same too.

Island Tourism Festival

Island Tourism Festival is usually held during December and January, every year in the capital city, Port Blair and lasts for ten days. It is considered to be the most significant event or festival of this land and is targeted to attract tourists. The main attraction of this festival is that the tribals get a platform to portray their culture as well as their beliefs to the people through performances and exhibitions. One can also indulge in different types of water sport's competitions during this time. Visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands at this time will be truly memorable for you and your family.

Subhash Mela

Another festival celebrated by the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the Subhash Mela. This festival is organized at Havelock Island and celebrates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who was an Indian freedom fighter. As the birthday of Subhash Chandra Bose falls on January 23, this festival is also organized in January and usually lasts for a week. During this week, people enjoy several cultural programs. Along with the local people of this island, even foreigners from different countries attend this festival.

Vivekananda and Block Mela

Other two festivals celebrated in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Vivekananda Mela and Block Mela. Vivekananda Mela is usually held at Neil Island and commemorates the birth of Swami Vivekananda. This festival is also held in January. The other festival i.e. the Block Mela is held in Diglipur which is a town that is situated in North Andaman Island. This festival is celebrated every year in January or February. It showcases the life in a typical village of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Apart from this, it also focuses on the growth and improvement that the rural areas have undergone.

The list on the festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is definitely endless. All that can be said is that be it a religious or a cultural festival, each of these is celebrated by the people of this island with great unity and grandeur.