Department of Art and Culture

The Department of Art and Culture, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and showcasing the unique cultural identity of the island community. Through its various wings—including the Public Library Services and the Lakshadweep Kala Academy—the department caters to the informative, educational, and entertainment needs of the public, students, and researchers.

As the custodian of Lakshadweep’s rich tangible and intangible heritage, the department is committed to nurturing local talent, preserving folk traditions, and ensuring accessible cultural resources for all. Its mission is to protect and promote Lakshadweep’s cultural legacy, foster creative expression, and support artistic talent across all the islands.

SERVICES:-

1. The Library Services : The department runs and maintains a State Central Library at Kavaratti, Public Libraries in 9 of the ten inhabited islands, and a Reading Room cum Library in the smallest island of the UT Bitra. The libraries serves as a as knowledge and cultural hubs for the students, researchers, general public and to all folks. Thousands of books viz story books, reference books, children’s books, novels, academic books etc on variety of subjects are provided through all the libraries in the islands to the readers. Latest newspapers, periodicals, employment bulletins etc.. are also provided. To modernize and improve accessibility, the department has begun digitizing library services through the implementation of library automation software such as E-Granthalaya and Koha across all island libraries
2. Museum Development and Management :The department manages the Golden Jubilee Museum at Agatti, which documents and exhibits the socio-cultural history, lifestyle, and heritage of the islanders. The Archaeological Museum at Agatti Island was established in 50^th year of Indian republic and named as Golden Jubilee Museum in commemoration of Godden Jubilee celebration of Indian Republic. The Museum provides first hand authentic information on Cultural Heritage of Lakshadweep Islands to the visitors from India and abroad. The Museum have Archaeological remaining excavated from various islands. The collection of the museum includes archaeological items, archival materials, traditional items, indigenous/navigational equipments, historical items, cultural items, art & handicraft items, marine archaeological items, religious items and household items of the past. There are 461 artifacts available in the Museum.
3. Promotion of Arts through Lakshadweep Kala Academy : The Lakshadweep Kala Academy a society in which the Department of Art & Culture provides funds as Grant-in-Aid; established for the development, revival, preservation, and promotion of language, literature, local arts and culture and thereby to promote the cultural unity of Lakshadweep. The headquarters is located in Kavaratti. The Lakshadweep Kala Academy promote the traditional art forms, local artists by organizing various cultural programs at all the islands of Lakshadweep. It provides training, organizes workshops on painting, literature and other forms of arts. It also provides monthly pension to the veteran/senior artists of Lakshadweep.
4. Folk Art Training and Republic Day Performances : The department imparts training to interested individuals in various traditional and folk art forms across the islands. These art forms are also showcased during Republic Day celebrations and other national events.
5. Cultural Events and Art Exhibitions :  The department periodically organizes various cultural programs in connection with national/state celebrations, VVIP visits at various islands of Lakshadweep. It organizes inter-state and inter-island level cultural programs, arts exhibitions and cultural competitions, a providing a platform for local artists to perform and exhibit their works. These events encourage cultural pride and community engagement.
6. Cultural Exchange Initiatives :The department also coordinates cultural exchange programs with other states and regions, fostering national integration, mutual appreciation, and exposure to diverse artistic traditions in collaboration with various government agencies.