A dialect of Malayalam is spoken in the islands. Mahl is used in Minicoy. There is very little difference in the customs and the manners of the people. Marriages are usually arranged and negotiations originate from the bride’s family, but in Minicoy the groom is selected from the same social and economic strata, the maternal uncle’ son is the first choice in all the other islands. The Nikah takes place at the mosque or at the bride’s residence. In Minicoy, the marriage ceremony is relatively simple. The expenses for the function are borne by the bridegroom’s family. An interesting feature of Minicoy is the absence of the parents from certain functions related to the marriage. The average household has three to four rooms. Minimum furniture is used in homes and a swinging cot is a common feature.
Rice is the staple food and coconut rice is one of the main dishes. People are non-vegetarians. Coconut is widely used in their cuisine. The manner of dressing is simple and similar to that of the Muslims of the Malabar Coast. Minicoyans are distinct from the other islanders in dress code. The territory has a closely knit community life. In Minicoy, community life centred round village institutions known as Arabs.
Islands Of Lakshadweep | Flora and Fauna | Climate and Temperature
Languages and Customs | Folk Arts | Industry and Occupation | Things To Do
