Culture of Lakshadweep : Exploring the Traditions, Art, Music, Festivals

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Culture-of-Lakshadweep
Image Source

The name ‘Lakshadweep’ translates to ‘a hundred thousand islands’. Though the number of islands in the archipelago is thirty-six, each one of these islands has lakhs of treasures to offer. This union territory remains relatively an unknown tourist destination among Indians and foreigners alike, and only a limited number of tourists are allowed into certain islands. Yet, they successfully captivate the hearts of all the visitors. Lakshadweep shares many similarities with the state of Kerala, including the language, Malayalam. The majority of Lakshadweep speak this language. Yet it has many cultural factors that make the island territory unique.

Historical Background of Lakshadweep

Historical-Background-of-Lakshadweep
Image – Wikimedia
  1. Historical Background: The islands of Lakshadweep have a long history of human habitation and trade connections with various civilizations. Over the centuries, the islands came under the influence of different dynasties, including the Cheras, Cholas, and the Kolathiris of Kerala.
  2. Colonial Era: During the 16th century, European colonial powers, primarily the Portuguese and later the Dutch, arrived in the region and established trade relations. However, the islands ultimately fell under the control of the British East India Company in the 17th century.
  3. Merger with India: After India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the question of Lakshadweep’s status arose. In 1956, the States Reorganization Act was passed, which reorganized the Indian states based on linguistic and administrative considerations. As part of this act, Lakshadweep, then under the administrative control of the Madras Presidency, was incorporated into the newly formed state of Kerala.
  4. Union Territory Status: In 1956, Lakshadweep was designated as a Union Territory, distinct from Kerala, and came under the direct administration of the central government of India. The Union Territory status provided the islands with a separate administrative framework and ensured their representation in the Indian political system.
  5. Administration: Lakshadweep is currently administered by an Administrator appointed by the President of India. The Union Territory has a local government known as the Lakshadweep Administration, which is responsible for the day-to-day governance and development of the islands.

Languages of Lakshadweep

Languages of Lakshadweep
Image- siliconindia.com 

As to the 1681 census, 11 languages as stated in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution are spoken as the mother tongue in Lakshadweep. Of which the prominent ones are Malayalam and Mahl, spoken by the people of Minicoy. The migrants who work within the Union territory also speak Bengali, Gujarati, Hindu, Kannada, Oriya, Tamil, Telegu, Konkani, Urdu and English.

The scripts that are used on the islands are Minicoy and the modern Malayalam Grandha. The oldest script on the islands is Vattezhuthu. The Arabic script has become prominent among the people with the arrival of Islam, particularly for studying the Qur’an.

Traditional Dress of Lakshadweep

Traditional-Dress-of-Lakshadweep
Image Source

Lakshadweep’s traditional dress is a true example of beauty in simplicity. Although the dress reflects the links to the southern states of the country, the influences of Islamic, Portuguese, and mainland Indian cultures are unique. The traditional dress of the women is the Kachi which is a garb similar to the lungi and is typically black or white. They also wear long headdresses, called Thattam. Jewelry is a must for Laccadivian women. The men are typically seen wearing lungis but the younger generations have transitioned into western outfits like shorts and trousers. Minicoy islands have distinct cultural features as compared to the rest of the islands. The traditional garbs vary according to the social class they belong to. In the Minicoy, only the Manikfans women wear gold ornaments.

Cuisine of Lakshadweep

Cuisine of-Lakshadweep
Image – Wikimedia

As one would expect from any island tourist spot in the tropics, Lakshadweep’s food is marked by heavy usage of seafood and coconuts. Tuna fish dishes are quite common in the local restaurants, including dishes like the famous red tuna curry, Rayereha, and white coconut tuna, Sannath. Similarities with Kerala’s Malabar culture are evident in the local cuisine which also consists of dishes like Parotta and Malabar Chicken. The Mus Kavaab and Maasu Podichath are popular fish dishes, while fish pakoras are fan-favorite street food in Minicoy.

Music and Dance of Lakshadweep

Music-and-Dance of-Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is known for its wonderful tradition of dance and music. Parichakali is a popular form of dance in most of the islands, which is performed by men using wooden swords and shields. This dance form attempts to reenact Islamic tales of mighty battles fought in the days of yore. The dancers begin with a slow pace but they soon catch on to a quick tempo reaching the energetic climax which truly reminds the spectators of the valor of soldiers.

Another dance form in the islands is Kolkali, which is also performed in the nearby state of Kerala. The Kolkali dancers accompany their dance with the rhythm of the beating of wooden sticks. The Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep have their unique dance form, named Lava. The practitioners of these dance forms make their performance extra special with unique songs. Other music practices of the union territory are heavily influenced by the sister state of Kerala and are a reminder of Hazrat Ubaidullah, who introduced Islam in the islands. Marriages in Lakshadweep are beautiful with the guests enjoying melodious bridal music, the Oppana. 

Festivals of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep-Festival
Image-Mehr News Agency/Wikimedia

Like any part of India, Lakshadweep has numerous festivals unique to it. The majority of the citizens of Lakshadweep follow Islam making traditional Muslim festivals like Muharram and Eid. After fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, the Laccadivians celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr with great pomp and joy. The devotees begin the day with prayers in the mosques and the sermons are followed by distributing and feasting on local delicacies. Muharram is one of the holiest months of the Islamic Calendar and marks the religion’s New Year. The residents of the islands commemorate Muharram with reverence and grief as the event also marks the killing of the prophet’s grandson, Imam Husain, in Karbala. The Laccadivians celebrate the arrival of Prophet Mohammad on earth on the day of Milad-Un-Nabi with sweets and perfumes. Bakrid is another major festival marked by the sacrificial offering of a goat or ‘bakri’.

Traditional Crafts of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep-Crafts
Image-Thejas/Flickr

Being very close to the coast, traditional handicrafts and art forms of the islands tend to be centered around the products of the sea- seashells, tortoise shells, or coconuts. The seashell necklace is quite popular among tourists and is made from the vast variety of seashells collected in and around the beaches of the islands. On the other hand, coconuts are used to make walking sticks. People of Lakshadweep love color, as is visible from their dress and cheerful personality. This love for a colorful life is mirrored in their crafts too. 

Occupation of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep-Occupation
Image-Shafeeq Thamarassery/Wikimedia

The life of Lakshadweep’s natives is intertwined with the sea. People engage in occupations like fishing, coconut crops, and coconut coir twining which contribute majorly to its economy. Tourism in the islands is developing slowly but surely. As one might guess, boat making is also practiced in the islands. Some of the other prominent industries include vinegar and jaggery production, tuna fishing, and masonry. 

Tourism in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep
Image – The.chhayachitrakar/Wikimedia

For beach lovers, adventure fans and eco-tourists, Lakshadweep is an alluring attraction. Clear, untarnished water makes it a nice and ideal place for diving and other activities. Here you can explore marine life by scuba diving with excellent underwater visibility. The islands of Lakshadweep provide lovely shallow lagoons excellent for snorkelling and viewing exotic marine life. The Lakshadweep Islands are a paradise for all those who adore water sports that include yachting, swimming, skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing and paddling.

The several islands here include Agatti Island, Kadmat Island, Kavaratti Islands, Kalpeni Island, Bangaram Island and Minicoy Island. The islands are connected to the mainland by ships, helicopters, Air India, mechanised vessels etc. From Cochin, you may access islands such as Agatti and Bangaram by boat and plane. Speed ferry connections exist between Agatti, Kadmath and Kavaratti. Developed infrastructure is in place across all the islands to satisfy tourism needs.

Image credits: The copyright for the images used in this article belong to their respective owners. Best known credits are given under the image. For changing the image credit or to get the image removed from Caleidoscope, please contact us.

34 COMMENTS

  1. Hi, is there any type of specific art (drawing,paintings) in Lakshadweep, I asked here because this helped me a lot. Thanks you!

  2. It’s really good information about lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar islands it helps me so much in my assignment 😄😄😄

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