Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 06 July 2023
The Tourism Department, in collaboration with all line departments of the A&N Administration, is set to kick off the season’s first festival, the ‘Monsoon Tourism Festival-2023,’ on July 15th and 16th, 2023. The event will take place at Corbyn’s Cove Beach in Port Blair from 4 pm to 9 pm. Exciting competitions await participants, including a Rain Dance Competition and a Rain Photography Competition.
The Rain Dance Competition is a captivating event where participants will showcase their dancing skills while performing rain dances. Rooted in various cultures, rain dances have long been associated with invoking rain or celebrating its arrival. The competition will judge participants based on creativity, choreography, synchronization, costumes, and overall performance. The aim is to entertain the audience and demonstrate the beauty and significance of rain dances. Participants can perform individually, in pairs, or as groups, incorporating traditional elements or creating contemporary interpretations. The performances may be accompanied by live music, drumming, or recorded soundtracks to enhance the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Rain Photography Competition invites photographers to submit their best photographs capturing rain-related scenes. From rain falling to raindrops on objects, reflections, and the overall mood, photographers can showcase the beauty and impact of rain. Judges will assess entries based on artistic merit, technical excellence, originality, and the effective conveyance of the rain theme. The competition is open to photographers of all levels, with entries to be submitted digitally, adhering to specific guidelines.
Both competitions are free to enter, with no age restrictions. The top three winners in each competition will receive cash prizes: Rs. 8,000 for first place, Rs. 5,000 for second place, and Rs. 3,000 for third place.
Participants interested in the Rain Photography Competition can submit their entries to andamantourismgh@gmail.com by 5 pm on July 14th, 2023. Participants must declare that the photograph submitted is their original work. High-resolution photographs are preferred for optimal display on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The submissions will be uploaded on the Directorate of IP&T’s social media accounts on July 18th, 2023, and winners will be selected based on the number of likes and subsequent judgment by a panel of department judges. The Department reserves the right to use the submitted photographs and posters for relevant purposes, with the copyright belonging to the Department upon submission.
In addition to dance performances by talented local groups and live musical performances by local bands, food stalls will be available for tourists to experience the local flavors of the Islands. Limited stalls will be allocated free of cost to hoteliers, restaurant owners, and registered self-help groups (SHGs) on a first-come, first-served basis. Selection criteria will prioritize the quality and thematic alignment of the food items exhibited. Applications for food stalls must be submitted to the Tourism Department by 5 pm on July 11th, 2023. For any queries, interested individuals may contact the Manager of the Tourism Department or the Executive Staff mentioned in the contact details.