Huvahendu (Huvakenduge)

Understand

Where Huvahendu (Huvakenduge) comes from

Huvahendu (or Huvakenduge) is the Minicoy men's community-dance, performed by the men of the Mahl community at the social gatherings of the island. The form is one of the lesser-documented but living traditions of the Minicoy men and is regularly performed at the cultural programmes of the union territory. The dance is part of the broader Lakshadweep folk-dance repertoire and is associated with the cultural life of the Minicoy men.

How it's practiced

Huvahendu is performed by men of the Minicoy community in a circle at the central courtyard of the village or at the open ground of the festival. The men perform in coordinated steps to the song of the Huvahendu cycle and to the rhythm of the small regional instruments. The dance is gentle, with the small stepping rhythm of the Minicoy tradition. Costume is the traditional Mahl men's dress — the lungi and the small regional cap. Performances are at the courtyard and at the cultural programmes of the union territory.