When the immigrants from the mainland settled in these islands, they brought with them their own rituals and festivities. Now the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands celebrate several festivals. 

A 15 days long festival organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration every year gives a festive look to the islands. The exhibition, on the occasion, highlights the developments and the other aspects of these islands. Cultural troups and the artistes of the National and International fame from the mainland are invited to perform during the festival.

Water sports competitions and Nicobari "HODI" race are organised. The festival projects the image of the islands as on eco-friendly tourist destination.

The special festive celebrations of particular groups include Durgapuja for the Bengalis, Panguni Uthiram for the Tamils, Pongal for the Telugus and Onam for the Malayalis. The Local Born of the Andamans, who are divided into Hindus, Muslims and Christians, celebrate the festivals of all the three religions. Some of their main festivals are Shivratri, Janmastami, Holi, Diwali, Ramanavami, Idd, Christmas, Good Friday etc. All three religious groups among the locals participate in one another's festivals.

Thus the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, irrespective of the regions that they originally come from or the religion they practice or the language or dialect they speak have many common cultural traits. A remarkable feature of Andaman and Nicobar society is the amicable co-existence of the people belonging to the different religions. Communal violence is unheard of here. There is amicable participation of all in religious festivals and the incidence of inter-religious marriages is increasing.