Kavadiyattam (Lakshadweep)

Understand

Where Kavadiyattam (Lakshadweep) comes from

The Lakshadweep Kavadiyattam is the shoulder-borne-palanquin dance of the Lakshadweep islanders, performed by the men of the Keralite community at the religious celebration of the island. The dance is the regional adaptation of the Kerala temple-festival tradition of the Kavadiyattam. The form is one of the documented regional traditions of Lakshadweep and is regularly performed at the cultural programmes of the union territory.

How it's practiced

The Lakshadweep Kavadiyattam is performed by men of the Keralite community at the central courtyard of the village or at the open ground of the religious celebration. The men carry the kavadi (the shoulder-borne palanquin) and perform the small steps of the regional tradition. Music is the dhol, the chenda and the small cymbals. Costume is the traditional Keralite dress of the island — the dhoti-kurta for the men. Performances are at the central courtyard and at the cultural programmes of the union territory.