Light And Sound Show In Cellular Jail

Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail

The Light and Sound Show in Cellular Jail, Port Blair, is one of the Andaman Island experiences that you will remember long after your visit. This show, set in the haunting remains from what was once an infamous colonial jail, is not just entertainment. It's also a moving tribute to the heroes of India’s freedom struggle.
As the sun begins to set over Port Blair, the walls of the jail come alive with an emotional narrative, dramatic lighting, and stirring sound effects. When the voice of Om Puri, the late narrator, begins to tell the story, you can feel every emotion. Here, history is told not by textbooks but rather from the stones that once held brave revolutionaries.
Cellular Jail is a place where the past and present of India meet. The Light and Sound Show will help you connect with the past and present of India.

The Story of Kala Pani, also known as Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail, built between 1896 and 1906, was not your ordinary prison. The prison was built for solitary confinement. It had seven wings that were connected by a central tower. Each of the 696 cells was just big enough for one prisoner. They were designed to break their spirits, and they often did.
This remote prison was used by the British to exile India’s most fervent freedom fighters. In its halls, names like Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt echo. They were not just prisoners, but also writers, thinkers, and leaders whose stories are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
In 1868, before the jail had been completed, 238 inmates tried to escape. The majority were recaptured, and 87 prisoners were hanged as a reminder of how brutally the British controlled the prison.
In the late 1930s, increasing political pressure resulted in the repatriation of many political prisoners. In 1942, Japan occupied the islands. The jail was used as a prisoner of war camp. In 1945, the Andaman was the first Indian territory to declare independence.
The Cellular Jail is a National Memorial today, and welcomes visitors from all over India.

Veer Savarkar: Years in Cellular Jail

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a well-known prisoner at the Cellular Jail. He is also known by his nickname, Veer Savarkar. He was arrested in London and escaped to France, but was captured by the British. In 1911, he was sent to the Cellular Jail and sentenced to two lifetime terms (50 years in total).
Life here is unimaginably hard. Savarkar was isolated for six months; he endured handcuffs, and he refused to work. He was even shackled with crossbar chains because of a refusal. He kept his spirit alive through:
How to set up a library in a prison
Teaching prisoners who are illiterate to read and write

He wrote over 5,000 poems on the walls, which he had memorized, and then the jailors whitewashed them.
He coined "The First War of Indian Independence", a phrase that has become famous, changing the way the revolt is remembered in history.
Veer Savarkar served 10 years in this jail, then 17 more at Ratnagiri before being placed under house arrest. Port Blair Airport was named in his honor, and the former cell of Veer Savarkar is revered inside the jail.

Cellular Jail show timings

What to expect at the Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show

The Light and Sound Show turns the jail into a theatre where history is relived with light, voice, and emotion. You'll be able to hear the stories from the prisoners as you sit in the open air. They will tell you of their courage, pain, and resilience.

Narration and Effects:

The Hindi show narrated by Om Puri is full of emotion and storytelling.
The English show is a little shorter, but ideal for international visitors.
Lighting and sound effects are synchronized with the story to create a powerful, immersive, and visually stunning atmosphere.
Duration: Around 45-50 minutes
Seating: First-come, first-served. Arrive early to get the best seats.

Where and when to see the show:

Cellular Jail in Port Blair
Veer Savarkar International Airport is only 4 km away
Every evening, except on public holidays and Mondays, the show is shown.
Timing: Depending on the season, usually between 5:30 and 7:30 pm.

Tickets:

You can find the prison entrance at the main entrance.
Booking in advance is recommended during the peak season (October to April)

Local Attractions that you can combine with your visit

You can explore the following after visiting the show:
Aberdeen Bazaar is a local market for street food and shopping
Water Sports Complex: From here, you can catch a boat for Ross Island or North Bay Island
Martyrs’ Column – where Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath to pay homage to freedom fighters

Best time to visit the light and sound show in Cellular Jail

It is best to enjoy the Light and Sound Show between October and April when the weather is nice and the sky is clear. If it rains during the monsoon season (June to September), some shows will be cancelled. Check with your guide or hotel before you go.

It's not just about seeing the Cellular Jail, but also about connecting with the people who sacrificed everything to secure our freedom. These walls are not just bricks and mortar. They are silent witnesses of immense suffering and unmatched bravery.
The Andaman Islands, as PM Modi stated during his visit, "Remind us of the collective determination of our freedom fighters."
If you are visiting the Andaman to enjoy the beaches, have an adventure, or spend time with your family, take a moment and reflect on what you want from this trip. You'll leave feeling more proud of your country and all its heroes.

Important tips for visiting Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show:

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to secure good seats.
Andaman Island is plastic-free.
It's important to respect silence during the performance.
The use of flash photography and loud talk during the show is prohibited.
For a better price, book combo packages that include both a tour of the jail and a light show.
Be on the lookout for cancellations in the monsoon.
Are you interested in other immersive experiences as well? You can see marine life without diving by using Sea Walk.

Nearby Attractions

Visit the following places after the show:
Corbyn’s Cove Beach (7km) - Ideal evening relaxation.
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island). Reachable via ferry from Aberdeen Jetty.
Anthropological museum - 2 km, which showcases tribal heritage.
Aberdeen Clock Tower Markets and Port Blair markets are great for souvenirs.
Combine these with your Andaman Honeymoon packages for a holistic experience.
 

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