Langiri is a folk performance of
Maldives, the origin of which can be traced back in the early 20th
century during the rule of Sultan Shamsuddin III. It is basically the
Thaara performance that was modified by people to suit their taste that
gave rise to the Langiri performance of today. Maldives Langiri folk
dance and music usually takes place as an evening stage show to
entertain the people. Read to know more about the Langiri folk music of
Maldives.
In the Langiri folk music, the dancers hold two beautifully decorated
sticks in their hands. These sticks are about 2 feet long and are known
as "Langiri Dhandi". The performers sit in two parallel rows
and lift their bodies with their waist up. Simultaneously, they keep
clapping the Langiri Dhandi in different styles. In this folk dance,
each participant hits the six Langiri Dhandi belonging to his three
neighbors seated in the front row. Usually, the Langiri show consists of
six to seven songs.
