At Curious Kasturi, you have already got a lot of information about Lakshadweep. We have explored information about the rich history of Lakshadweep, its cuisine, what we can experience while traveling to Lakshadweep, and much more. In today’s blog post, we will take a cultural voyage with the arts and crafts of Lakshadweep. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s head to further discussion on the culture, arts, handicrafts, and traditional Scopes of Lakshadweep and discover more about the simplest yet vibrant lifestyle and culture of this island.
Culture and Traditional Scopes of Lakshadweep
From 1947 to 1956, Lakshadweep was ruled under the Madras Presidency and included in the state of Kerala. However, in the year 1956, Lakshadweep was declared a Union Territory of India and since then it has been under the administration of the Central Government of India. The Union Territory status had provided the islands with a new administrative framework; however, the influence of Kerala culture is heavily found in the inhabitants of Lakshadweep.
You will find a close similarity in lifestyle, food, clothing, and traditions between Kerala and Lakshadweep people once you visit these states. Not only in cuisines or cultural practices but also in dance, music, and languages to a large extent.
Language of People in Lakshadweep
According to the 1681 census, eleven languages are spoken in Lakshadweep and considered as the mother tongue. Among those 11 languages, Malayalam and Mahl are widely spoken by the inhabitants of Minicoy. However, with the emergence of migrants in this territory, you can also find people who speak Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Oriya, Telegu, Konkani, Tamil, Marathi, Urdu and English here.
Religion in Lakshadweep
The maximum number of inhabitants in Lakshadweep follow the Islamic religion. If you follow the 2011 Census report, you will find that more than 96% of people in Lakshadweep are Muslims and most of them belong to the Shafi School of the Sunni Sect.
Festivals of Lakshadweep
There is no doubt, our beautiful Lakshadweep has a long list of festivals to celebrate. The most famous festivals celebrated here are Bakrid, Id-Ul-Fitr, Muharram, Eid-ul-Zuha, and Milad-Un-Nabi. Independence Day and Republic Day. Apart from Islamic festivals, the people of Lakshadweep celebrate other festivals including the Coconut Festival, Diwali, and Onam.
Let us have a closer look at these festivals
Bakrid:
Bakrid is highly popular as Eid al-Adha. It is a significant festival observed by the Muslims of Lakshadweep. It is celebrated in honor of Prophet Ibrahim who sacrificed his son as an act of obedience to God willingly. On this very day, Muslims dress up in their finest attires and offer prayers in mosques. An array of traditional and sumptuous dishes are prepared at home and shared among the people through delicious feasts and gatherings. People exchange gifts with each other and greet. Bakrid is an important festival for the Muslims of Lakshadweep. The festival not only conveys color and enthusiasm but also represents their gratitude, generosity, and sacrifice for the sake of holy belief and community.
Eid-Ul-Fitr:
One of the most celebrated festivals by the Muslim community in Lakshadweep. The festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Muharram:
Muharram is another noteworthy celebration commemorated by the Muslims in Lakshadweep. It is celebrated in the 1st month of the Islamic calendar. It celebrates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The 1st 10 days of this month are called Muharram. The Muslim people in Lakshadweep wear black clothes. They wear only black dresses to show their gratitude for the martyrdom their religion did.
Onam:
Onam is a festival of harvesting and it is celebrated by the people of Kerala and Lakshadweep with high spirits. The festival is celebrated by a colorful parade, boat races, and customary dances like Thiruvathirakali and Kaikottikali.
Id-Al-Adha:
This festival is also known as Bakrid. It is celebrated by the Muslim community. This festival marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Diwali:
However, Diwali is not accounted as a major festival in Lakshadweep. It is celebrated by the Hindu residents and the celebration honors the victory of purity over evil power.
Minicoy Festival:
The festival takes place in January. It is a happy time when people honor the end of the reaping season and the beginning of a new year.
Traditional Attire of People of Lakshadweep
Traditional attires of people Lakshadweep are the true examples of simplicity and beauty. However, you will find the cultural influence of Islamic, Portuguese, and Southern states of India and mainland Indian culture on the attires.
Women’s Attire:
Women wear Kachi, which is a traditional dress of women here and it is similar to the Lungi. The color of Lungi is in general Black or White. The women of Lakshadweep also wear long headdresses which are known as Thattam. They wear jewelry which is a must-do attire for the women of Lakshadweep.
Men Attire:
Men are seen in lungis also. However, the younger generation does wear Western outfits including shorts and trousers.
The attire of People of Minicoy Islands:
Minicoy people wear dresses according to their social class and standards and their dresses are quite different from the rest of the people on this island. The Manikfans women in Minicoy wear gold ornaments for sure.
Music & Dance Forms of Lakshadweep People
Along with the panoramic beauty of nature and the sweetness of culture, the people of Lakshadweep have a wonderful taste for dance and music.
- The dance form Parichakali is the most popular one. This form of dance is performed by men with wooden swords and shields.
- The next popular dance form is Kolkali which is also popular in Kerala. The dance is performed with the rhythm of the beating of wooden sticks.
- Lava is another popular dance form that is found among the people of Minicoy islands. This dance form is performed on the beats of unique kinds of music.
- Oppana is a traditional bridal music that is only performed during the marriage ceremonies in Lakshadweep.
Traditional Art and Handcrafts of Lakshadweep
Mainly, the people of Lakshadweep count on the sea to run their livelihood. Nonetheless, the arts and crafts on these islands are heavily influenced by the coastal culture and traditions. You will find many arts and crafts made with sea shells, shells of tortoises, and coconuts. Necklaces, bangles, and earrings made with sea shells are very popular here and attract tourists as well. The use of sea shells, coir, coconut shells, and oyster shells is immense in making jewelry and decorative pieces that engage eyes and minds instantly, as well as popular in the global podium.
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