Kolkali of Lakshadweep (Lakshadweep Kolkali)

Understand

Where Kolkali of Lakshadweep (Lakshadweep Kolkali) comes from

The Lakshadweep Kolkali is the stick-dance of the Keralite-origin communities of the northern islands of Lakshadweep (Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini and the other islands of the Keralite-Malayalam-speaking Lakshadweep), performed at the cultural festivals of the community. The dance is the local expression of the Kerala Kolkali tradition (the stick-dance of the Malabar) and is performed at the central courtyard of the village. 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 Kolkali is performed by men and women of the Keralite community in a circle at the central courtyard of the village or at the open ground of the festival. The men and women hold two short sticks (the kollu) and strike them against partners' sticks in coordinated rhythmic patterns. The dance is gentle, with the small stepping rhythm of the Lakshadweep tradition. Music is the dhol, the chenda and the small cymbals. Costume is the traditional Keralite dress of the island — the colourful sari for the women and the dhoti-kurta for the men. Performances are at the courtyard and at the cultural programmes of the union territory.