Chowra Island


Chowra is an island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands group of India. It is located to the north of Teressa island and to the south of Battimalv Island in the India Ocean. It is also known as Choura, Tatat or Sanenyo.

History

The island suffered severe damage during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Geography

The island is generally flat but has a 104.5 m high rocky upland at its southern end. Coral reefs extend about 1.5 miles from the northwestern side of the island.

Demographics

The island has three villages, belonging to 5 clans.
Tahaila Beach is located on the east coast, where the jetty is.
Northern Agency and Southern Agency are in the middle of the island, and consist of former inhabitants of: Alhiat, Chongkamong, Kuitasuk, Raihion and Tahaila. According to 2011 census, 1270 people lived in the three villages on the island:
The island belongs to the township of Nancowry of Teressa Taluk.

Culture

Chowra island has five clans. Each year, one of the clans organizes a 3-week festival Panuohonot according to the rotation system. The preparation for the festival lasts several months, and members of the other clans offer some help with the organization. The festival is celebrated in memory of the ancestors, at the onset of north-east winds. The festival features singing and dancing, with a canoe race at the end. At the onset of the south-west winds, Kancheuollo is celebrated.

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