Culture and Languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Contrary to popular belief, there is no single 'Andamanese' language spoken by the majority. Because people migrated from all over India, the linguistic demographic is very diverse:

1. Bengali: The most widely spoken language (around 28% of the population), due to the settlement of refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after 1971.
2. Hindi: The official language of the UT and the main link language (lingua franca) used in markets and offices.
3. Tamil & Telugu: Widely spoken, especially in Port Blair, by descendants of laborers and government workers brought from South India.
4. Malayalam & Nicobarese: Also form a significant part of the linguistic profile.

The islands are famous for their ancient indigenous tribes, who speak highly unique languages that belong to the Ongan or Great Andamanese language families:

• Andamanese Tribes: Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, and Great Andamanese. The Sentinelese language remains completely unclassified as the tribe is uncontacted.
• Nicobarese Tribes: Nicobarese and Shompen. The Nicobarese language belongs to the Austroasiatic family (related to languages in Southeast Asia).

1. 'Mini India' Culture in Port Blair: In the capital and settled islands, you will find a harmonious mix of Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh cultures. Festivals like Durga Puja, Pongal, Diwali, and Christmas are celebrated with equal fervor.

2. Tribal Culture: The indigenous tribes (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups - PVTGs) live a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

• They rely on the forest and sea for food (wild boars, turtles, fish, roots).
• The Sentinelese are fiercely independent and reject all contact with the outside world.
• The Government of India strictly protects these tribes, and it is illegal for tourists to interact with them or enter their reserves.

3. Cuisine: Seafood is the staple diet. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Bengali and South Indian cooking styles (rice, fish curry, coconut-based gravies).