Lakshadweep might not cover a big area, but the people and the culture
of this place is very diversed compared to most of the other regions in India. With an area of 32 sq. km and population of 64,429 as of 2011 census, the people living here consist of Malayali (84.33%) and the Mahls (15.67%). As, it is near to Kerala one can find various similarities between the two place like: rice being the staple food of both regions. Aminidivis, Koyas, Malmis and Melacheris are the four communities inhabiting in this place. Aminidivis are considered to be the first to settle on this island. The Koyas are the landowners and Malmis works under them, Melacheris are the labour community of this island and indulge in their own profession. Maximum of the population residing here follows Islam, but all the communities come together and celebrate a festival.
of this place is very diversed compared to most of the other regions in India. With an area of 32 sq. km and population of 64,429 as of 2011 census, the people living here consist of Malayali (84.33%) and the Mahls (15.67%). As, it is near to Kerala one can find various similarities between the two place like: rice being the staple food of both regions. Aminidivis, Koyas, Malmis and Melacheris are the four communities inhabiting in this place. Aminidivis are considered to be the first to settle on this island. The Koyas are the landowners and Malmis works under them, Melacheris are the labour community of this island and indulge in their own profession. Maximum of the population residing here follows Islam, but all the communities come together and celebrate a festival.
Music and Dance: Most of the musical and dance performed in this island are heavily influenced by Islamic and Malayali culture. 'Opana' which is a Muslim dance can also be seen displayed by various Muslims people especially in marriage ceremony of Muslim community. Parichakali, Kolkali, and Lava dance (most popular) are also performed in occasions such as birth and marriage ceremony and during festivals. One can also see the tribal dance. People recite folk ballads based on the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidullah and Portuguese invasion during festivals and celebrations which is the most popular among the locale.
Costumes: The costumes of females in this island includes skin-hugging embroidered jacket on top, silk Kachi covers their below body with a silver belt encircling the waist and colourful scarf called ‘Thattam’ in the head. The women of this island in this particular dress look very beautiful and silvery like the beaches. The costumes for men usually include lungis to cover the below body which they prefer the most and briefs and shirts in their upper part of the body. Jeans are worn by youths in Minicoy.
Cuisine: Influenced by Kerala, the people of this region use two things in maximum of their foods, fish and coconut oil. Several sea foods are also prepared in different non-vegetarian households. Lakshadweep is popular for some tangy and spicey dishes; one can also see numerous numbers of inter-continental dishes cooked in restaurants. The vegetarians mostly prefer rice and vegetables with spices and coconut oil whereas the non-vegetarian prefers curried, fried and barbecued fish/meat with rice. Tinned rice is also used in here which are exported from Kerala. Coconut water is the most popular drink which taken in plenty by the locale.
Languages: The major languages spoken here are Malayalm, Mahl and Jeseri (Dweep Vhasha). Other language include: English, and some tribal languages.
Arts and Crafts: Arts and crafts are the main occupation of some people living in the island. Since, tourism has started to flourish in this place many arts and crafts made of coir and other things are sold to the tourists. Various numbers of travelers visiting this place always buys some handicrafts as a memory to cherish with.
Festivals: Numerous numbers of festivals are celebrated in this place, some major celebrations include: Bakri-Id (festival of sacrifice), Id-Ul-Fitr, Milad-Ul-Nabi (birth of Prophet Mohammad), Muharram, etc. which are celebrated with great enthusiasm. All the people come together and make all festivals into grand success.
Every person living on the islands follow religious tolerance and live in peace and harmony.