Art & Culture Department to Publish Book on Nicobarese Folktales and Folksongs; Entries Open Till May 31

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 29: With the objective of preserving and promoting the language, customs, and identity of the Nicobarese people, the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration will soon come up with a book of traditional Nicobarese folktales and folksongs, showcasing the diverse cultural expressions of the Nicobarese community. This vibrant initiative seeks the participation of students, school children, tribal members, and Government servants from the Nicobarese community across various Islands of the Nicobar group. To achieve this objective through crowdsourcing, competitions will be held for students as well as Nicobarese persons of all Islands in the Nicobar District.
The competition will be held in two categories: Stories and Songs. Under the Stories category, participants are invited to submit traditional folk tales, personal anecdotes, myths, legends, etc. In the Songs category, participants can present folk songs, ceremonial songs, lullabies, etc. The competition is open to students from classes 9th-12th from all schools across the Nicobar District, as well as members of the Nicobarese tribe, including Tribal Captains, community leaders, elders, and Government servants. Entries must be submitted in the Nicobarese language, accompanied by translations in English and/or Hindi.
Separate Competitions will be held Sub-Division wise of Nicobar District. The Deputy Commissioner (Nicobar District) will organise these competitions for Car Nicobar Sub-Division, Nancowry Sub-Division and Campbell Bay Sub Division.
The first three winners in each category will be awarded with cash prizes. Top three entries in each category from each Island will receive certificates and cash prizes (Rs 10,000/-, Rs 8,000/- and Rs 5,000/- and 5 Consolation prizes @ Rs 2,000/- respectively. However, all authentic entries will be featured in the book.
The competitions will restart on May, 1, 2025, with the last date for submission of entries being May 31, 2025. This dynamic competition will serve as a platform for the Nicobarese community to share and celebrate their cultural heritage, ensuring that these cherished stories and songs are passed down to future generations. The book containing such folktales and folksongs will be released thereafter.