Palm leaves dancing in the mild breeze, powder white beaches, the sound of waves breaking on a coral reef, lush, green rain forests and chirping rare birds-this is what the Andaman and Nicobar Islands essentially are. An archipelago of islands, islets and rocks, this Union Territory of India is home to some of the oldest tribes in the country.

This fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration every year during the months of December - February, is the main festival of the islands. The festival comprises an exhibition, cultural programmes, competitions, etc. Government agencies and private entrepreneurs from the islands and mainland India also attend the exhibition organized during the festival.
The exhibition highlights the developmental aspects of these islands. Dance performances from the troupes residing in different islands are organized.

Cultural troupes and artistes of national and international fame are invited to perform during the festival apart from performances by the talents of the islands including tribals. Water sports like canoe Race, scuba diving and competitions like Nicobari Hodi race are included in the celebration. The festival projects the image of the islands as an eco friendly tourist destination.