Minicoy is the southernmost island which is more closer to Maldives than to another Lakshadweep island. The nearest Lakshadweep island to Minicoy is Kalpeni which is around 450 Km away whereas the nearest Maldives island Addu is just 139 Km away from Minicoy. Minicoy covers an area of approximately 4.22 sq km and is the second largest island after Androth. Words cannot do justice to the incredible size of the lagoon, one of the largest in Lakshadweep, the green of coconut trees, and the mirror-like surface of an inland lake as it nestles in one corner of the island.
Minicoy Culture:
Although its official name is Minicoy, the people here like to call it Maliku, meaning the good harbor. Maldives isdivided into nine different villages or athiris which are separately administered by an elected male representativecalled 'mopan'. The villages can be distinguished by their color and the symbol. The culture here is totally different from what is found in other islands of Lakshadweep. It is more similar to the customs and traditions in Maldives island. Mahl is the main language spoken in Minicoy which is common to Maldives. Though there are few people who speak Malayalam as well. Unlike other societies, Minicoy is a matrilineal society which means family descent is traced through female line. Here a man lives either in his mother's house or his wives. Minicoy is renowned for its dance tradition: the lava dance is performed on festive occasions.
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