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Andaman and Nicobar Islands are called the tropical paradise of India. They are known for their beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. The islands are home to people from diverse cultures, castes and religions. They have a vibrant cultural legacy which defines the traditional practices that people still follow. The festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands thrive on cultural extravagance, and unique traditions that you would surely love to explore. These festivals must be on your itinerary if you’re visiting Andamans for a memorable experience.
7 Religious Festivals Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Some of the popular religious festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands celebrated by the locals, include:
1. Ganesh Pooja
Photo: Sangram Keshari Senapati / Wikimedia Commons
Ganesh pooja, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, is widely celebrated in the Andaman Islands during the Bhadrapad Sudha Chaturthi as per Hindu Calendar month. It is counted among the famous festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The temples come alive with diyas and throngs of devotees visiting to offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha. The priests conduct poojas in all the main temples of the islands, including Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar Temple and Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple. Clay Ganesha idols are installed in public pandals or homes and immersed in water following the rituals.
Month: August or September
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman
2. Ayyappa Pooja
Photo: B.K.Viswanadh / Wikimedia Commons
Ayyappa Pooja is held on January 14th or 15th in accordance with the Tamil Calendar, depending on the day of Thai New Year. Preceding the onset of the Thai month, adherents engage in a period of ritualistic observance lasting about 45-60 days. A 41-day fast is observed with celibacy, and black or blue clothes are preferred and people go on pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The prevalent belief in the divine favour bestowed upon this pooja and worship adds to the fascination of the celebration.
Month: During Makaravilakku Festival (November to January)
3. Diwali
Photo: Nikita Khandelwal / Pexels
Diwali, popularly known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is an important festival of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island comes alive with the lights at night and celebrates the triumph of good over evil, as done all over India. People clean their houses, buy new clothes, make sweets or dishes, pop crackers, light diyas and distribute gifts as well.
Month: New moon day of Hindu Kartik month (typically in October or November)
Suggested Read: Andaman And Nicobar Nightlife
4. Kali Puja
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
Kali Puja is one of the famous festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On this day, people worship Goddess Kali with great faith and devotion. The Kali Temple in Premnagar, located in Port Blair, is the popular attraction during this time. Adorned with diyas and flowers, hundreds of people visit the temple throughout the day. Subsequent to the Pooja, the idols are then ceremoniously carried into the water for immersion.
Month: On new moon day of Hindu Kartik month (usually in October or November)
5. Holi
Photo: Spandan Roy Bardhan / Pexels
Holi is one of the Andaman and Nicobar main festivals. Popularly known as ‘Festival of Colours’, people participate in this festival with as much enthusiasm as in other parts of India. People of all ages come together on this day to celebrate with colours, joy and passion. The islands come alive with colours of all hues with everyone soaking in the festival happiness. People light bonfires one evening before the major celebration in different parts of the island.
Month: Day of Phalgun Poornima as per Hindu calendar (usually in March or April)
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Andaman And Nicobar
6. Panguni Uthiram
Photo: Andaman Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
Celebrated on the union of the star Uthiram and Pournami, Panguni Uthiram is an important festival of Andaman and Nicobar islands. People throng the Murugan Temple to worship the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Sri Vetrimalai, also called Karthikeya. This temple is especially popular due to the belief that it answers the prayers of all. There are banners and bright lights all around the islands. People also arrange marriages on this auspicious occasion of celestial marriages.
Month: In March or April when the moon transits the Uttara Phalguni constellation or Uthiram
7. Ramzan
Photo: Abdullah Arif / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Ramzan is a blessed period of fasting among the muslims all over the world. The celebration of this festival in Andaman and Nicobar Islands includes a day-long fast (from sunrise to sunset) followed by an iftar meal in the evening throughout an entire month. People offer prayers, read the Quran and offer alms to the needy.
Month: Based on Lunar Islamic Calendar (usually the month of April)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
3 Cultural Festivals Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands
In addition to religious festivals, there are many festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands that hold cultural importance. Have a closer look at them.
1. Island Tourism Festival
Photo: Marvin Meyer / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Island Tourism festival is one of the largest festivals of the archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is an annual 15-day extravaganza and attracts thousands of tourists to the area for experiencing the string of cultural activities such as exhibitions, stage shows, live music, plays, and dance shows. Local travellers who wish to experience local culture can engage in several sports competitions held in water against stunning scenery.
Month: December – January (every year)
2. Beach Festival
Photo: Quietsun63 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This event marks the culmination of the spring season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ushering in a tranquil summer with mild temperatures. The Beach Festival offers a diverse array of experiences that add a memorable touch to your trip. The festival features a variety of beach games such as volleyball, tug of war, kabaddi, and events like sand art, live music and much more. Attending this festival is a must if you seek to partake in one of the finest experiences the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have to offer.
Month: In the month of April, every year
Suggested Read: Temples In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
3. Subhash Mela
Photo: Nishta Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Held in remembrance of the India’s revered freedom fighter — Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Subhash Mela is a cultural & patriotic festival of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Several marches, plays, and cultural activities are organised at several places to honour the leader for his role in India’s independence struggle. This festival sees a great participation from all over the island because of large scale social events and games held including magic show, manikin appear, kayak race, dog show, scuba diving, etc.
Date: On January 23rd of every year
The aforementioned festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands allow you to take a dip into the local fervour and extravaganza in addition to enjoying the natural wonders of the islands. Experience and embrace the cultural diversity by taking part in these celebrations that pay homage to the rich community spirit of the place, and plan your trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: AF6395 / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
