Lakshadweep — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Coral atolls, lagoons, Minicoy Island
Introduction
Lakshadweep is India's smallest UT — a chain of 36 coral islands, atolls and reefs in the Arabian Sea. Only 10 are inhabited; access for tourists is regulated by permit.
Quick Facts
Capital
Kavaratti
Largest City
Kavaratti
Official Language
Malayalam
Formation Date
1 November 1956
Area
32 sq km
Population
70,000+
Region
South
Type
Union Territory
Language
Malayalam is the dominant language; Mahl (Divehi-related) is spoken in Minicoy. English is used for administration.
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Traditional Dress
Malayali-style mundu and kurta for men; women wear sarees, kavanis and the unique Minicoy Libas.
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Festivals
Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Muharram and Milad-un-Nabi dominate as the population is overwhelmingly Muslim.
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Cuisine
Fresh tuna and coconut-based dishes: Mas Podichathu, Octopus Fry, Kallummakkaya Curry, coconut rice and local Halwa.
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Literature
Strong oral tradition; written literature is limited but growing in Malayalam and Mahl.
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Art Forms
Lava dance of Minicoy, Kolkali, Parichakali, Daff Muttu and intricate coir craft.
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Historical Importance
Converted to Islam in the 7th century by Arab traders; held by the Cannanore Bibi and later the British; UT since 1956.
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