Hey there! Did you know about the beautiful group of islands in the Arabian Sea called Lakshadweep?
It’s a peaceful and serene place with a unique way of life. The locals primarily work in agriculture, fisheries, and coconut farming. The villages have a very close-knit community, and their relaxed lifestyle is refreshing.
The food there blends indigenous spices and fresh seafood, which is simply delicious. The traditional music and dance performances are a treat to watch and reflect their rich cultural heritage. The handicrafts produced there, like coral artifacts and coir products, are simply amazing. However, the locals are conscious of preserving their islands’ natural beauty, so tourism is carefully managed. Overall, Lakshadweep is a must-visit place if you ever get a chance!
1. Dialect and Faith
The primary language spoken there is Malayalam. Islam is the most common religion and influences many facets of daily life.
2. Conventional Clothes
Men typically wear “Shirt” and “Mundu,” while women typically wear “Kachiya” and other traditional clothes.
3. Music and Dance
Festivals feature performances of “Lava,” a traditional dance style. Traditional music and folk songs play a crucial role in cultural events.
4. Festivals
The Union territory observes the following major holidays: Eid-ul-Fitr, Id-Uz-Zuha or Bakrid, Milad-UN-Muharram, Shab-e-Barat, and Nabi.Fitr-UI-Id. Celebrated locally as Cheriyaperunal, it represents the pinnacle of Ramzan fast. It occurs on the first day of Shawwal when major mosques hold thank-you prayers for the successful completion of the preceding Ramadan fasts. It’s an eating day. Feasts are also common in some island communities. For instance, in Kavaratti, the Mohillin Mosque hosts a large feast funded by contributions from the public in the form of grains, goats, and cows. On this day, the mosque does a moulood (prayer) in the prophet’s name. People perform special rituals at the Ujira and Mohidden Mosques. Women and children dressed to the nines attend the Rabibs. On certain islands (Kadmat, for instance), women take part in the Ratheeb performance.
On the tenth day of the Hajj, people celebrate Id-UI-Zuhra, when the prophet Ibrahim submitted to the will of goodness. During the morning prayers in mosques, people offer sacrifices of goats and cows in the name of the Almighty. Men actively participate in this ritual. Particular prayers are said to create the Valiyaperun Milad-Un-Nabi. The twelfth day of Rabi-Ui-Awwal is when the prophet Mohammed was born. On this day, people congregate at the mosque to hear talks about the prophet’s life and get alms. On the fourteenth day of Shaban, people celebrate Shab-e Barat by offering special prayers to seek tranquility for their souls, distributing sweets, and giving out alms in memory of their departed relatives. Muharram is a time for grief rather than celebration, as it honors the Karbala tragedy that resulted in the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain, and his companions. People distribute sweets in the mosques during the day and in the evening.
5. Customs in Society
People highly value mutual assistance and collaboration in a community-oriented way of life.
6. Jobs
The main job for the natives is fishing, and they use classic fishing techniques like pole and line. The coir sector, which produces ropes and matting, also boosts the national economy.
7. Dress & Attire
Women wear vibrant, uniquely styled sarees, while males traditionally wear a white cotton shirt and dhoti. An everyday accessory for women is elaborate jewelry.
8. Housing
Simple homes with thatched roofs and coral stone construction are the norm. The necessity of withstanding the tropical climate and sporadic storms impacts the design.
9. Food
The locals’ cuisine is primarily seafood, including meals like tuna curry and preparations made with coconut.
10. Regional Traditions
Every society has unique traditions. Specifically practiced in the Amino group of islands and Kavaratti, berrudukkal, and choreukodukkal involve a needy family organizing a feast to which guests contribute in kind or cash, such as rice, hens, goats, cows, etc. The host reciprocates the gesture whenever he can on a similar occasion. Following a child’s birth, Lakshadweep adheres to several other practices. The practice of “Mudikalayal,” or head shaving, occurs 40 days after childbirth. Subsequently, the boys are circumcised according to the popular rite of Markakalyanam when they are between 6 and 12 years old. Following the agreement on a marriage, Kanoth (Nikah) Ariyal is planned a few months before the wedding. Then, three days before the wedding, Arrikuttikal is carried out, during which family members personally greet and extend invitations to the guests. The husband pays the bride the bridal fee, or mehr, on the day of Nikkah. Before finalizing the alliance, the parties agree to pay the amount in cash. The amount fluctuates depending on the family’s economic situation and differs from island to island. The set minimum is thirty-one rupees. Once paid, the Mehar sum is never refunded. A person cannot demand a divorce if they have not paid the mehr. In certain situations, the Khasi demands payment before granting the divorce.
11. Language
Arabic has a noticeable influence on the local dialect, while Malayalam is the primary language.
12. Education and Health Care
Compared to mainland India, these sectors have fewer services. On the other hand, initiatives are underway to enhance services and infrastructure. Lakshadweep’s way of life generally features a peaceful fusion of cultural customs and a strong bond between nature and human beings.
13. Transportation
Because of their dispersed location, boats and ferries must get between the islands. The locals use traditional wooden boats for travel and fishing.
14. Gastronomy
The staples of Lakshadweep cuisine include seafood, coconut, and rice. “Kavaabu” (fish cutlets) and “Katti Parippu” (split gram curry) are two popular meals.
In conclusion, Indian visitors can have a singular and fascinating experience by fully absorbing Lakshadweep culture. With their colorful customs and friendly greetings, the islands provide an insight into a unique way of life. Amidst the breathtaking grandeur of the Lakshadweep archipelago, travelers can establish significant connections and build enduring memories by learning about local customs, indulging in traditional cuisine, and interacting with the community.
