Kolkali Folk Dance of Lakshadweep

For the people who love new places, Lakshadweep is a very wonderful place. It has a distinctive culture which has slight similarities with the South and South-Eastern part of India. Let’s read about the Kolkali folk dance of Lakshadweep.

The term ‘Kol’ means stick. The dance is performed with the sticks in hands according to the rhythm of it. So the dance is called Kolkali that literally refers to a stick dance. This particular folk dance is very much popular among the islanders of Lakshadweep. It is so spectacular that Kolkali has become one of the attractions of Lakshadweep among tourists.

Kolkali Performance

Only men can participate in Kolkali. Women are strictly prohibited from taking part in this folk dance. All the inhabitants of the islands maintain this traditional rule.

The patterns and the circular movements of the dance are captivating. The dancers make pairs, and these pairs move in circles following the musical rhythm produced by the sticks. The sticks are basically used as props while they are dancing and they are held by the hands of the dancers. Many of the body postures, choreography, and footwork of the Kolkali characters are taken directly from Kalarippayattu.

Kolkali dance starts at a slow pace. Gradually it gathers speed and moves towards a faster pace as the music gains momentum, reflecting their passion, joy, and ardor into it. Usually, they use folk songs to accompany this folk dance.

Kolkali is so important and popular among them that each island has a number of performing groups for Kolkali. It is a famous folk dance in Kerala also. Now the question may arise that whether both are the same. Typically, yes both are almost the same as being geographically so close. Kerala and Lakshadweep also share some similarities culturally. But there are many differences also as they are two different regions.

When you are visiting Lakshadweep, do not forget to witness Kolkali folk dance.

Explore all folk dances of India