Lava dance of Minicoy
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Energetic group dance of the men of Minicoy, performed to drums and songs on festive occasions.
FolkWhere: Minicoy (Maliku), LakshadweepOccasion: Festivals, Eid and other celebrations
| Performed by | Men, in a group |
|---|---|
| Costume | Colourful traditional dress and headgear |
| Music and instruments | Drums and songs in Mahl, the language of Minicoy |
How it is performed
- Drummers set the beat while singers lead the songs.
- Dancers move in lines and circles, keeping time with the drums.
- The tempo rises steadily, and the dancers jump and turn with growing speed.
- The dance ends at a peak of energy, with the drums and dancers stopping together.
Significance
Lava is the best-known dance of Minicoy and an important part of its distinct culture, which shares links with the Maldives to the south.