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The traditions in Kerala and Lakshadweep, depict that
the last king of the Chera Dynasty embraced Islam and
secretly left for Mecca. The people who went in search
of the king spotted the coral atoll of Lakshadweep.
They came back with this information and then people
from the land started to drift to these islands.
The evidence of early settlements are the statues of
Buddha and other relics found in the islands of Andrott,
Minicoy and Kavaratti
This had an impact on the culture of the islands as
the early settlers carried with them the art forms and
music prevailing in Kerala .In due course modifications
occurred in the art forms due to the social and environmental
changes in the Lakshadweep Islands. New art forms and
music emerged. Today we notice the influence of Islam
in the music, art and literature of the islanders.
Kolkali & Parichakali are the two popular folk art
forms in the Lakshadweep Islands. They are woven in
the cultural fabric of the islands only except in Minicoy
where " Lava ' is the most popular dance form.
Some of the folk dances somewhat take from those in
North Eastern India. People like Lakshadweep culture
and also like dances of
Kolkali & Parichakali.
Kolkali ( Stick Dance )
Kol means a stick and the dance performed with sticks,
is called Kolkali. It is the most popular folk dance
of Lakshadweep. Only men take part in this dance and
they form pairs and dance in circle to the rhythmic
beat of the sticks, which they hold as props in hands.
Folk songs are sung along with Kolkali. Dancers form
different alignments in the course of dance at slow
pace but it bursts in a frenzied tempo later. The
famous Dances of Lakshadweep
Kolkali & Parichakali.
Parichakali ( Shield dance )
Paricha means a shield and the dance performed with
sword and shields, is called Parichakali.This is a martial art form and the shields and sword
used are made up of very soft wood. There is sometimes
dual combats depicting ancient warriors. Song which
is sung along with this dance are classical and of longer
duration than that of Kolkali.
The bravery of the early warriors is depicted through
Parichakali. The depiction of freedom struggle is also
done through this dance form. Like Kolkali, this dance
also begins first at slow pace and then culminates in
a crescendo
Enjoy tours to Lakshadweep Dances and enjoy various dance forms
in Lakshadweep Islands. Contact South India Tour Travel
for more details.
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