Port Blair, Dec.24: The much awaited Island Tourism Festival-2023 will be held at ITF Ground, VIP Road from from Dec. 27 to 31. Hectic preparations are on at the venue to make the event a gala one. Islanders as well as the tourists alike are waiting for the spectacular event to unfold on Dec.27. Being organized by the Tourism Department, A&N Administration in collaboration with Department of Art & Culture from 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 in 14 locations viz. Island Tourism Festival Ground, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Ferrargunj, Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Hutbay, Amphitheatre Anarkali, Marina and Corbyn’s Cove. 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 highlight of the ITF will be a special Choreography presentation titled ‘Tributes to lives lost in Tsunami 2004’ by well-known eminent choreographer from Delhi Ms. Shohini Dutta. The ITF will witness performance by differently abled artists on wheelchairs who are associated with- ‘We Are One’, a Charitable Trust. The group comprises of differently abled artistes on wheel chairs and hearing and speech impaired artistes who believe that dance has no barriers. Performing on wheelchair for the past 15 years has made them realize that the view of the world is beautiful even from a wheelchair.
Apart from this, artistes of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) will perform at the ITF Ground. SPIC MACAY is a nationwide voluntary movement that seeks to inspire youth through experiencing the mysticism embodied in the rich and heterogeneous cultural tapestry of Indian and World Heritage. The artistes of SPIC MACAY will present Rajasthani Folk Music, Odissi dance by Vidushi Madhavi Mudgal and Troupe, Ghatam Performance by Padma Bhushan Vidwan TH Vinayakram (Vikku Vinayakram) and Qawwali by Mohammed Warsi and sons from Rampur.
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.
Besides, various other activities such as performance by ‘End of Scene Band’ from Delhi, performance by ‘Police Entertainment Team’ and a ‘Nritya Natika’ on Tsunami at ITF Ground.
Other activities during the festival will include ‘Hasya Kavi Samelan’ by OL Department, Rangoli & Flower Show by Agriculture Department, ‘Dog Show’ by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services. Baby Show by Health Department besides, fun games for children will also be available at the ITF Ground. Apart from this, the Island Tourism Festival will 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 home made products and handmade handicrafts.
The cultural programmes will be held at the ITF Ground from 4 pm to 10 pm. Shipping & Transport Departments are also making 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.
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