Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 July 2025
The Spice Festival–2025, held under the theme #FromSoilToSoul, concluded on a high note, drawing enthusiastic participation from tourists, locals, tourism trainees, and stakeholders from across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Organized by the Department of Tourism as part of its ongoing calendar of fairs, festivals, and events in collaboration with various line departments, the festival offered a unique and immersive experience centered around the Islands’ rich spice heritage.
The half-day event took participants on an engaging spice trail through some of the region’s most renowned spice-growing destinations. One of the key highlights was a visit to the farm of Padma Shri awardee Kamachi Chellammal, affectionately known as Nariyal Amma, at Rangachang. Participants were treated to a firsthand look at traditional spice cultivation techniques, accompanied by personal anecdotes and hands-on activities.
The trail continued to KVK-CIARI at Sippighat, where modern scientific methods of spice farming, processing, and packaging were demonstrated, offering valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices. Another major stop was the Junglee Mirchi Organic Resort in Caddlegunj, where visitors explored organic farming methods and attended culinary demonstrations that highlighted the diverse flavors of indigenous island spices.
From live harvesting demonstrations to interactive cooking sessions, the festival successfully blended tradition with innovation. A dedicated spice trail bus, flagged off from the Directorate of IP&T, carried a diverse group of participants including students, trainee tour guides, agro-tourism enthusiasts, and local residents, all of whom lauded the festival for its informative and enriching experience.
Officials from the Directorate expressed heartfelt gratitude to the partnering farms, institutions, and resource persons for their active support in making the event a success. The initiative was widely appreciated for promoting sustainable tourism, showcasing local agricultural practices, and fostering community participation.
Participation certificates were also distributed to all attendees, marking the conclusion of a festival that truly brought the spirit of the Islands’ spice legacy to life. (Story Based on PR)
