Whether a traveller is looking for a Short trip to Andamans or a Andaman Honeymoon Package , it is important to know the fairs and festival periods in the islands to have a closer look at the local traditions and enjoy the ethnic festivities. The details of Fairs and Festivals in Andamans is as below :
Fairs and Festivals: Fairs and festivals are always associated with joy and happiness. Fairs and festivals are the best way of entertaining the people of all age groups since these are occasions on which they gather, assemble, exchange their views, work together, worship their god, etc. This has been an important part of the human life since olden days. Fairs and festivals have important role to play in the field of tourism. Many tourists would like to stay back for a week to enjoy the fairs and festivals. They claim that this w they gain a lot of relief and relaxation for their own probleamy; and obtain a lot of self satisfaction. In this tourists’ paradise fairs and festivals are celebrated in almost all parts. Generally, fairs are related to government programmes as Islands on March, Trade Fairs, Navy Mela exhibition etc. As far as the festivals are concerned the A & N Administration celebrates one important festival namely Andaman Tourism Festival. The remaining festivals are celebrated by the people of the concerned religious groups. No doubt, all religions celebrate their own festivals according to their economic condition and their own style. But people from all religious groups participate without any hesitation. The most important thing is – the boys from Muslim, Christian, Sikh communities participate in all activities at the time of Hindu festivals and boys following Hindu, Christian, Sikh religions participate in all activities in Muslim festivals and the same manner in Christian festivals and so on. During such festivals Hindu orators are called and requested to talk about the Holy Kuran, Holyman Md. Nabi, Fathima, Islamism etc., and Muslim orators about Hindu almighty Gita, etc. This is really wonderful .which could be seen only in A & N Islands, and a tourist can really enjoy the socio-cultural integrated festivals. Besides the religious festivals like Deepavali, Ramzan, Christmas etc., among the popular festivals, the most important festivals are linked with Hindu culture, traditions and faith.
These include:
- Ganesh Puja
- Panguni Uttatam
- Mariamman Thiruvizha
- Durga Puja
- Kali Puja
- Saraswati Puja
- Ram Navaho
- Gokula Astami
- Gurunanak Jayanti
- Nag Panchami
- Holi
- Diwali
- Pongal
- Christmas
- Ramzan
- Shivarathri
- Vasanth Panchami
- Ramleela.
Ganesh Puja : Ganesh Puja is celebrated on “Chathurthi Thithi” every year. People from the south call this puja “Vinayaka Chathurthi”. The image of Lord Ganesh is made out of black clay with a lot of glittering decoration. People buy the Ganesh image in a size according to their economic conditions. The Ganesh temples at Aberdeen Bazar, Goal Ghar etc., are beautifully decorated and special pujas or ‘Atli’ is performed by the priests, lyers or pujaris in honour of Lord Ganesh. Of all the Ganesh temples, Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar temple at Aberdeen Bazar and Karpaga Vinyagar at Goalghar are the chief attractions on the occasion. Generally, the puja is celebrated for three days. The temples are full of devotees (Bhakth). During puja, people offer “Kozhukattai’ and “Sundal” to the deity “Vinyagar”, and after the puja these kozhukattai and sundals are distributed among the gatherings. Some organizations and offices or groups of people also perform common puja. A big image of Lord Ganesh is made. An important place in the village or the organization is decorated with pandals and puja and ‘Artl, are performed. The third day the image is taken round in the village and city in procession with dance and songs and is immersed into the sea. All the three days the temples are full of devotees. The people from other religions also visit the temple with their family members.
Panguni Utthiram: This is the biggest and the most important festival in these islands. This festival is celebrated to honour the Lord Sri Vetrimalai Murugan (Lord Karthik), a son of Siva and Parvathi. Sri Vetrimalai (victory hill) Murugan Temple is the oldest temple in these islands. Now a new Kalyana Mandapam (two floors) has been constructed and renovation work of the main temple has also been completed. The important feature of this temple is that the people of all regions and religions of our country and foreign tourists visit this temple. The strong belief of the people is that their requests are fulfilled and graced by the Lord Murugan. During the festival, the temple is decorated with a lot of colour lights etc. This Uttiram festival is celebrated every year during the Tamil month of panguni, in full moon day covering the “Uttira Natachitram”, for a period of ten days. During the festival, every day of the period of celebration, ‘Anna Dhanam’ is given.
About 10000 to 15000 people come to the temple to the get Anna Dhanam (i.e they eat full meal). On the last day of the celebration called “Thee Mithi ‘ people and devotees whose requests are granted by the powerful Sri Vetrimalai Murugan wear “Sedal Ornaments” on their body, face, tongue etc., with “Kavadies”. Among the kavadies, “Arugandam Kavadies” and “Parakkam Kavadies” are really very difficult to carry. People from other islands come to Port Blair to participate this celebration. People on the roads to see them. All religious people offer lime and orange juice, salted sweet water, butter milk, and water to all the devotees, visitors, tourists etc., as a partial fulfilment of their promises. The sedal and kavady bearers walk on fire (Thee Mithi) and reach the “Moolasthanam”. One cannot stand near the fire even at a distance-of six meters. Devotees walk on the fire which means everybody should accept the supreme power of the Lord Sri Vetrimalai Murugan.
Sri Marriamman Thiruvizha Festival: This is the second biggest festival of the Hindus celebrated in honour of Goddess Arulmigu Sri Marriamman. This temple is situated in Austinabad village, at a distance of six kilometers from Port Blair
Bus Terminus on Chiddiyatappu route. The belief of all the people from all religions is that Goddess Mariamma has been guarding these islands. There is an incident, narrated by the devotees as it is a real one. When the Dhannikari Dam was constructed, the contractor could not complete it successfully due to frequent cracks and scratches, etc. Then he prayed to Goddess Marriamman by wearing sedal ornaments and he saw her in his dream and she encouraged him to continue his efforts. The following week he could successfully complete the whole dam. After the completion of the dam, the contractor constructed the present temple (RCC building) and deposited some amount of money in the temple’s name for the everyday puja, celebrations and maintenance. Now all visit this temple and worship the Goddess Mariamman irrespective of their religions. The tourists, including foreigners, do not leave these islands without worshipping these two temples. The festival is celebrated every year during the month of February. For Goddess Marriaman also, the devotees perform puja and Arti in the same manner to God Sri Vetrimalai Murugan. Theemithi, Arugandam kavadi, Parakkum kavadi, Pal kavadi Paneer kavadi, Ilaneer kavadi are the special attractions for the people, devotees and tourists.
Sashti Festival: This is celebrated in honour of Sri Vetrimalai Murugan immediately after the Deepavali for a period of six days since God Murugan has six faces popularly known as “Arumugam” i.e, each day is meant for one face. During these days, Laxcharchanas and special pujas/artis are performed in the temple. Devotees purchase Laxarchana tickets costing 11 Rs. 101/-. Tourists visit these islands during this festival periods purchase tickets, participate in puja and take the prasad to their native village/country as a divine symbol of Sri Vetriamalai Murgan.
Durga Puja : This is also an important festival of Hindus celebrated with great enthusiasm. Though the Hindus tromi, all regions participate, the Hindus from Calcutta (West Bengal) take the full responsibility of its celebration in these islands. This puja is celebrated by all the Hindus in the name of Navarathri puja for nine days. Every year Durga puja is celebrated in these islands during September-October. Bengali associations in each village and some organizations make the image of goddess Durga in highly decorative manner out of clay along with the images of other gods namely; Sri Ganesh, Sri Karthik (Sri Murugan) etc., and they perform puja with the help of pandits. On vijayadhasami i.e on the tenth day, the images are taken out in procession to various places near Haddo jetty, Aberdeen jetty for immersion in the sea. A large crowd assembles near the Goalghar, Junglighat Junction, Dairyfarm, Schoolline Junction, Dilanipur, Haddo etc., to witness the procession for immersion.
Ram Navmi : It is celebrated in honour of the birthday of Lord Rama by performing special puja and arti only in Ram temples located in Aberdeen Basthi, Kumrakheti, Haddo and Dairy Farm. Temples are decorated with colourful lights and musical instruments are played. Songs on Lord Rama and Sita are also sung.
Gokulaashtami : It is celebrated in the name of the birthday of Lord Krishna who is regarded as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated in August-September. In Radha Krishna, Radha Govindha temples on RGT Road, Sri Krishna Temple in Dairy Farm, Radhakrishna Temple in Junglighat, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Temples are fully illuminated with ligh and coloureduirncolouredan Group bhajans/group songs on Krishna, continuous puja performance with loud clappings and sayings like “Krishna Ki Jay” and other performances continue till midnight when Sri Krishna took birth. After the birth puja, prasadhams made out of sweet sooji, sweet boonthi, cut bananas, and sugarcane etc. are distributed. All temples are crowded with devotees and other people.
Sri Guru Nanak Jayanthi : This is celebrated by the Punjabis.
It commemorates the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak. This festival is celebrated on 25th November of every year, with great enthusiasm. Police Gurudwara in Aberdeen Bazar, Dr. Diwan Singh Gurudwara behind the State Bank of India, Main Branch, Gurudwara in MES area are illuminated with beautiful colour lamps. Songs, prayers, readings, bhajans etc., are the special features on the occasion. They organise a simple but excellent procession with the songs and bhajans with the call of “Guru Nanakji ki jay”.
Saraswathi Puja : Saraswathi puja is another festival celebrated by people, educational institutions and other organizations put up and is associated with the worship of Maa Saraswathi, the goddess of education and vidhai (vidhya) knowledge. Big pandals are put up at the important places in the city. The image of goddess Sri Saraswathi with vina sitting on white colour lotus kept in the pandal. Continuous puja, arti are performed throughout the day. Next day, the image of goddess is taken in procession, accompanied with dances and songs to the Haddo jetty, Aberdeen jetty or Chatham jetty for the immersion.
Sri Kali Puja : This festival is associated with the worship of Maa Kali as the destroyer of the evils. This festival is celebrated in the months of October-November every year. The Bengalis take keen interest and celebrate it enthusiastically. The image of Maa Kali showing her angry action of killing a Rakchashan is installed at different places. Kali temple at Prem Nagar is decorated with coloured lamps. Prescribed pujas and artis are performed. Hindus, particularly Bengalis, visit this temple and other places where the images of the goddess are installed and worshipped. Next day, the image is taken in procession with songs and dances to Haddo Jetty, Aberdeen Jetty and Junglighat Jetty for the immersion. A large crowd assembles to witness the procession at Goal Ghar, opposite State Library, Junglighat Junction, Dairfarm Junction, Aberdeen Bazar, Dilanirur, Haddo, etc.
Sri Shiva Rathri: This is another important festival celebrated in this island. This is celebrated for one day during the month of February-March in honour of the auspicious day of the Lord Shiva’s marriage with the goddess Parvathi. The temples of Lord Shiva in South Point, Delanipur, Phar Goan, Garacharma perform special pujas and artis with the usual decorations. In Sri Vetrimala)/ Murugan Temple the Shiva Lingam is specially adorned with colourful flowers. In all the Shiva temples, the bhajans, kirthanas, songs, speeches, talks, dramas, video films on ShivapaRvathi continue throughout the night. After early morning puja, prasatham is distributed among the devotees.
Holi: This is celebrated as a festival of colours during the months of February-March. In this territory, the Holi is celebrated by the people of all age groups irrespective of the religions and regions. In each and every village, a ‘holika’ made out of coconut leaves, and other firewood is bunt during the midnight Then, from the early morning itself, the sprinkling of colour (powder and water) from men to men, Women and among children starts. This activity goes unto 1.00 pm. After that the people go to Carbynscove beach for bathing. After taking bath, the people come out of their houses, wearing new clothes, go and meet their friends, embrace each other, take sweets and blessings from elders etc. Some people go to temples and the other youngsters usually go to watch cinema.
Prakash Yathra: This is celebrated just a day before Christmas by going in a procession. The Christians participate in the celebration. Both males and females participate and each of them carries a lighted candle saying some hymns from Bible. The procession is held in a calm and peaceful manner.
Other Festivals: Among other Hindu, festivals like Nag Panchami Pongal, Deepavali, Ram Leela, Vasantha Panchami etc., celebrated in these islands Deepavali, the festival of lights is most important. Every house, irrespective of religions and regions celebrate Deepavali by wearing new clothes, preparing and distributing by firing crackers etc. On Deepavali day, people take oil bath and wear new, colourful clothes. During evening hours, the houses are decorated with lighted candles or series of lights. Next to Deepavali, Maha Karthiakai, the festival in honour of god Sri Murugan, the god of knowledge and courage, is of importance. On this festival also the houses are decorated with lighted candles. The elders undertake fasting, younger ones enjoy the crackers during the evening hours, Sri Vetrimalai Murugan temple is illuminated with lights which should not be missed by the tourists. Apart from the festivals of the Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, there are also some festivals which are celebrated among other communities living in these islands. These include Jains who celebrate the birthday of Lord Parasanth and Mahaveer. Buddhists celebrate Buddha Jayanthi, Muslims celebrate Muharram, Ramzan Bakrid, etc.
Commerce and Industry: Commercial and industrial development of A & N islands plays an important role in the growth of tourism industry. Though the commercial and industrial units are scattered over the inhabited islands, majority of the units are located in the Port Blair city. The Port Blair city is famous for its handicrafts like shell-made items.
The prospects for setting up of such units in these islands are encouraging. The present important trade centres are Aberdeen Bazar, Diglipur, Junglighat, Middle Point, Bambooflat, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Campbell Bay.
Educational institutions: In this territory, there are only two colleges—Jawaharlal Nehru Government College in Port Blair and Mahatma Gandhi Government College in Mayabunder. These colleges offer arts, science and commerce courses at degree and post graduate levels. Government B.Ed College Is in Port Blair.
The literacy rate of A&N islands is – male 78.99%, female 65.46% and overall 73.02% as per the 1991 census whereas the same in Port Blair city is 86.59%, 75.08% and 81.69% respectively. There are about 340 educational institutions in A&N islands including about 70 institutions in Nicobar Islands.
Light and Sound Programme: There is light and sound programme run at Cellular Jail, a national memorial. The programme, in Hindi and English, is shown during evening hours every day.
Cinema Halls: In A & N Islands except Port Blair, the islands do not have commercial cinema halls. In Port Blair there are six cinema halls located at different places at a distance of 1-4 kilometers from the Bus Teminus. Most of the halls hold only two shows every day and three on Saturdays and Sundays and there are four to five shows festivals as well. All the halls screen the Tamil, Hindi and Telugu films. Sometimes, some cinema halls also show Malayalam, Bengali and English films.
Popular tour Packages :The most popular tour packages to explore the exotic islands with the travellers are Port Blair 3 Nights Package , Port Blair Havelock Honeymoon Package, Port Blair Havelock Package , Port Blair Havelock Neil Island Package, Best of Andamans Tour
For Further information on Andaman Tour Packages contact one of the most professional Travel Agents in India – Swan Tours ,New Delhi at 011-23415601
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