Andaman and Nicobar festival gets underway

PORT BLAIR: The Island Tourism Festival, the annual carnival of the twin islands of Andaman and Nicobar, promises a colourful extravaganza during the fifteen-day affair.
The festival, organised by the Andaman and Nicobar administration every year during the months of December and January, is billed as the main festival of the islands. It was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Saturday.
Chatterjee kickstarted the festival by hoisting the national flag at the Gymkhana ground in Port Blair.The theme of the festival is the infamous cellular jail, better known as Kala Pani, that will complete 100 years this year.
The festival will celebrate the dance, drama and music of the islands, showcasing the arts, crafts, flora, fauna and marine life of Port Blair and Andaman and Nicobar islands.
The festival will be a host to various national and international cultural troupes. Several artistes of international repute - including some Bollywood stars - are also scheduled to perform during the event.
In addition to international talent, local artists will also get equal footage, assure the authorities. Dance performances from local artists and tribals will be the highlight of the carnival.
Sports, too, has been given a prominent share in the festival. In addition to tele-games, parasailing, canoe-racing and scuba-diving the audience will get a taste of Nicobar Hodi race, a water-sports competition exclusive to the islands.
The festival, that aims to project the image of the islands as an eco-friendly tourist destination, will comprise photo exhibitions and cultural competitions. Other attractions include a floating restaurant, baby show and dog show.