Culture in the Islands!

Culture of Lakshadweep is something that has helped form the structure and foundation of its society. It has played an essential role in the lives of the people living there. The values, beliefs, languages, traditions, etc are all unique and in their own way, beautiful to Lakshadweep islands and their people.
Tourists not only come here to enjoy the mesmerising islands, but also to experience the culture of this place and be a part of it for a while.

Basic Facts

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Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India and is its only coral island chain. Lakshadweep has a tropical climate. It experiences pleasant weather throughout the year.The economy of the island depends on agriculture, fishery and tourism. The Union Territory has only one airport named Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island.

This archipelago consists of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The islands have a total area of 32 sq.kms and the lagoons enclosed by the atolls cover an area of 4200 sq.kms. Its territorial waters extend to 20,000 sq.kms and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to 4,00,000 sq.kms. Only 10 of these islands namely, Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy are inhabited. Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarters of the Union Territory. The islands are restricted area and permit from the Administration is required to visit the islands. However permit formalities of bonofied tourist are taken care by the SPORTS.

Language & Custom

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A dialect of Malayalam is spoken in all the islands except Minicoy. In Minicoy, ‘Mahl’ is the language used. There is very little difference in the customs and the manners of the people despite a few cultural differences . Marriages are arranged by parents except in Minicoy where courting is prevalent. Arranged marriages are common and the negotiations originate from the bride’s family.

While in Minicoy, the groom is selected from the same social and economic strata, maternal uncle’s son is the first choice in all the other islands. The ‘Nikah’ takes place in the Mosque or at the bride’s residence. In Minicoy the marriage ceremony is relatively simple. The expenses for the functions are borne by the bridegroom’s family. An interesting feature of Minicoy is the absence of the parents from certain functions related to the marriage. The average household has 3 - 4 rooms. Minimum furniture is used in homes. A swinging cot is a very common feature.

Rice is the staple food of the people. As a rule the people are non - vegetarians. Coconut is widely used. The manner of dressing of the people is simple and similar to the Muslims of Malabar coast. The dress code of Minicoyans are distinct from the other islanders. Jeans and trousers are popular. The territory has a closely - knit community life. In Minicoy, community life is centered around village institution known as - Avah.

Do's & Don'ts

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    Do's

  1. Make sure your reservation of tour in advance before leaving your station.
  2. Carry your special brand of medicines, cosmetics, cigarettes etc. as only ordinary varieties will be available on the islands.
  3. While on board the ship, a representative of SPORTS has been specially designated to assist you. In case of any difficulty, please avail of his services.
  4. Carry any special medications you require. Only basic medicines are available there.
    Don'ts

  1. Do not carry narcotics or drugs. It is a punishable offence.
  2. Do not swim or sunbathe nude. It is prohibited.
  3. Do not go out of your island lagoon without permission of the SPORTS authorities and without a proper escort. It can be risky.
  4. Do not pluck tender coconuts yourself. The trees are privately owned and unauthorized plucking of coconuts is a theft. Also a fall from the palm can prove dangerous.
  5. Avoid booking return journey on the day of arrival back at Kochi. Ships arrival timing is subject to weather, current port clearance.
  6. Do not Litter the land or the water. It pollutes.
  7. Do not pick up corals as souvenirs. It is a punishable offence.
  8. Do not use alcoholics drinks, intoxicants in the islands. There is prohibition on all islands except Bangaram.

Folk Arts

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Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular folk art forms in the Territory. They are an integral part of the cultural milieu except in Minicoy where “LAVA” is the most popular dance form. Some of the folk dances have a resemblance with those in North Eastern India. For marriages “OPPANA” is a common feature, a song sung by a lead singer and followed by a group of women. Picnics are a common leisure activity in Minicoy. The most widely celebrated festivals are Independence Day and Republic Day, Milad - Ul – Nabi, Eid al-Fitr, Bakrid, and Muharram in that order. Interestingly Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated for days with religious fervor.