A Jewel in the ocean – Minicoy

A Jewel in the ocean – Minicoy
By Princy Alexander| ENS – 27th December 2012 Kochi

Ethereal and provocative: Minicoy’s beauty, has astounded visitors who travel to the Lakshadweep islands in search of peace and serenity. And for years, this little atoll,  located 398 kilometres off the Kerala coast in the southern most tip of the Lakshadweep archipelago has never disappointed any of its visitors.

From the light blue shallow waters enclosing the island on all sides to the marvels of the rich cultural heritage that has been preserved for centuries, Minicoy is a perfect destination for a person taking a break from his hectic city life.

Yet another aspect of the ten kilometre-stretch of island is the pristine beauty its beaches offer. “It is amazing how one is able to walk in the water for kilometres at a stretch,” says a tourist from Sweden. “The waters of the Arabian sea provides a kaleidoscope of rich flora and fauna (showcasing some of the best coral life in the country). Its beauty is breathtaking.”

Home to the ‘Bodu dhadhas’ (village women’s leader) and ‘Bodu Kakas’(leader of the men), Minicoy is led by two systems. One is led by the village elders and the other is the panchayati Raj.

“In no other place has the two systems merged so well as it does in Minicoy,” says H Rajesh Prasad, the Administrator of Lakshadweep, who was present on the island during the National Minicoy Fest 2012, December 23-24.

He adds that Minicoy,yet to be discovered by the world, will hopefully grow to its full glory in the future. “It has a lot of tourism potential,” he says. “We hope to generate more employment for the youth in the coming days.”

Minicoy, also known as Malliku in the Mahl tongue of its people, is a women’s island.

“The population is predominantly women,” says Shailendran, a Navodaya Vidyalaya teacher at Minicoy, who hails from Palakkad, and has done a research on the island’s history. “The husbands and sons are out at sea most of the time. So, all the important decisions, including money transactions, and the children’s upbringing, are taken by the women. Also, they earn good money by selling  fish.”

Tuna, one of the most sought-after fishes in the world, offers livelihood to the people of Minicoy. They eat, sell and fish Tuna in large numbers. “In almost every dish, whether it be a potato curry or a vegetable mix, the essence of tuna is present,” says a tourism official from Minicoy. “There is no escaping the tuna as most of the snacks, including the Rihakuru, Charkara,and side dishes are made of tuna.”

Coconut products such as Thenga Charkara, Bofathfoli (a mix of rice and Karikku), Fola (Maida and Coconut), Bonda and Keenath (a mixture of rice powder,Charkkara and coconut milk) are popular, with locals as well as tourists.

Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming are the major tourist attractions on the beaches at Minicoy. Glass boats, which allow the older people to see the underwater life, is a hit.

So, the next time you wish to take a vacation, board the next ship to the coral islands of Lakshadweep and get down at Minicoy. Full Text: http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1395633.ece

Previous: Colourful start to National Minicoy Fest

The much awaited National Minicoy Fest 2012 kick-started here in Lakshadweep on Sunday. The festival, which is the first-of-its-kind to be held here, marked a new  beginning for culture and tourism opportunities in the island, situated nearly 500 kms off the Kerala coast.

Administrator of Lakshadweep H Rajesh Prasad inaugurated the two-day fest, which saw locals and foreigners gathering in thousands at the public park where the event is being hosted.

“What is being showcased here is the culture of Minicoy against the backdrop of Lakshadweep’s cultural heritage. We drawn our inspiration from the great leaders of India. The National Minicoy Festival will continue to be held over the years,” said Rajesh Prasad.Minicoy Deputy Collector Anoop Thakur and chairperson L G Ibrahim Manifkan were also present.

The audience caught a glimpse of tradition when the students of Government Senior Higher Secondary School performed the ‘Bandiya’ dance of the newlywed bride carrying a pot to her in-laws. The ‘Oppana’, which has been integrated into the culture of Minicoy, was staged during the fest. The elders of the land played the ‘Lava’, the traditional dance of the menfolk, accompanied by the rhythmic drum beats. The ‘kolkali’ was also performed.

The dances by main island troupes and skits  to emphasise the need to conserve the lagoons and corals surrounding the Lakshadweep islands also graced the show.

Meanwhile, the ‘Aahar’ fest began on Sunday giving the tourists a taste of the  traditional cuisines of the island. On Monday, the administrator would flag off the prime minister’s Rolling Trophy Boat Race  at 8.00 am. Country crafts and the ‘bodudhoni’ will also compete in the event. An aquatic show will also be held.

Special lagoon cruises would be held in the ‘Jahadhoni’ (traditional snake boats).Lakshadweep MP Hamdulla Sayeed will flag off the Minicoy Marathon Race in the evening.

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