Culture in Lashawadeep Island

Lakhshadweep Culture presents a pulsating forum of diversified customs and rituals. Predominantly inhabited by followers of Islamic religion, the people of Laskshadweep celebrate many folk festivals by performing the popular Dance form Lava. Adding color to the cultural vibrancy of the island are the two art variations – Parichakali and Kolkali.

A confluence of 36 incredibly ecstatic islands, Lakshadweep earns a major share of its revenue through the tourism industry. The cultural reserve of the island is quite enviable as it owes its origin to a very old time period. The historical records states that in the wee hours of seventh century, Lakshadweep and its culture was very much in the forefront.

It is believed that Hazrat Ubaidullah, the prophet and founder of Islam in Lakshadweep, inspired the Hindu people of the ancient island to convert their religion. This way the popularity of Islam took place in Lakshadweep and today each and every person of the place religiously follow the traditions of Muslim sects.

Since Lakshadweep is situated near one of the beautiful states of India – Kerala – it is but obvious that there are enough evidences of the cultural influence of that place are found in abundance. For one, the main diet of Lakhshadweep is rice which is also the same in Kerala.

The religious customs that are followed by the people of Lakshadweep are all a part of the age-old religion which has moulded the beliefs of the local people in its own ways. From Muharram, Bakrid to Mild-Un-Nabi and Id-Ul-Fitr, the festivals symbolizes the vibrant culture of Lakshadweep.

People of the island are known for their honest and jovial nature with which they make the Lakshadweep Culture a strong and attractive dimension of the place.

Language

Four main communities dominate the Lakshadweep Islands- Aminidivis, Koyas, Malmis and Melacheris. Majority of the population follows Islam but there are other ethnic groups that inhabit the islands as well. The Aminidivis are believed to have been the first people that inhabited Lakshadweep. The Koyas are generally landowners with the Malmis working under them, while the Melacheris are the main labour community on the islands with their primary profession involving gathering of nuts from coconut trees.

The main languages spoken on the Lakshadweep Islands are Malayalam and Mahl. Other languages that the locals speak include Hindi, English, Tamil, Urdu, Oriya and Bengali.

Religion

The government consensus shows that the majority of the population follows Islam. The other faiths that the islanders follow are either Hinduism or Christianity.

Food

The Lakshadweep islands offer a wide variety of cuisine. The main cuisine here centres on seafood but there is plenty to be found here for vegetarians as well. Non-vegetarians can dive into delicious seafood and Halal meat. The food is generally spicy and rich in coconut flavour.

Alert! Consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all islands except Bangaram.

Culture and Crafts

Islam majorly influences the culture of the people of Lakshadweep. Owing to its proximity to Kerala a lot of the culture here is very similar to that of the people of Kerala. You can get a real taste of the culture of the people here during festivals when the best of music can be heard and tribal dances seen.

Opana, Parichakali dance, Lava dance and Kolkali dance are amongst the most famous dance forms here.

Handicraft items here are made of shells, coir and oysters are very famous here. The people of the Aminidivi tribe are well known for their handicraft skills. Handicraft items have got a tremendous boost with the growth of the tourism industry in Lakshadweep.