Maldives Festivals

The rich culture of Maldives is truly visible and experienced during Maldives festivals. A number festivals and special days are celebrated at this island that bring people together and give them reasons to enjoy and have fun with their family and friends. Exchange of gifts and sweets on these festivals make children more excited and thrilled about them. These carnivals also bring children an awareness of their country’s culture as they include different folk dances and traditional music with wooden instruments followed by feasts comprising of their traditional cuisines. All the religious as well as national occasions are celebrated and shared with same enthusiasm and feelings, with people enjoying together without any discrimination.

Ramadan is one the most important religious festivals on the Maldives. The ninth month is celebrated as Ramadan according to Muslim calendar. This festival includes fasting of a month for which even the working hours are altered. Apart from this Prophet’s Birthday, Kuda Id, and Eid-ul Al’h’aa are other important days that are celebrated across the island in full form and with all colors, fun and excitement. On the day of Kuda Id, all men and women start their day with an early visit to mosque to perform prayers after which everyone prepare a feast for their friend and relatives. All schools held events on national days such as Republic Day and National Day and Independence Day and celebrate by organizing competitions and cultural programs. On the Independence Day large number of school children performs traditional folk dances at Republic Square. These national and religious days bring holidays for children and wash the streets with flag colors which depict the patriotism in their hearts.

Maldives vacations should include some time spent enjoying the dance and music which are the major source of enjoyment. These festivals call for drummers, musicians and dancers from all across the country to sing and dance and make these days memorable for everyone. Traditional folk dances and music symbolizes the country’s lively culture and fills heart with rhythm of their tradition. Almost all the events end with a feast. All type traditional and famous cuisines are prepared on these days to make them even more special. Sea food is a specialty of Maldives which becomes even more delicious and tempting during festivals. Foni boakiba (coconut milk and rice pudding), gula (fried fish balls with tuna and coconut), kiru Sarbat (sweet milk drink), and kuli boakiba (spicy fish cakes) are some of the common cuisines of Maldives which are the ‘must eat’ delicacies of each festival and event.

Bandiya Jehun is another way of celebrating festivals in Maldives. It is special way of entertainment in which a group of young Maldivian dances on the tune of metallic water pots, which is accompanied by a song. Raivaru recitation is yet another source of enjoyment, in which a poem is sung in a traditionally slow form.

Festival celebration unites natives and brings them close to their country, family and friends. Tourists can get the taste of true Maldivian culture and tradition during festivals. You can enjoy the best of Maldivian daces, music and food. In short, no Maldives vacation is complete without a taste of the local culture via Maldivian festivals.

Maldives Shopping

Though not commonly thought of as a shopping destination, there are a number of boutique shops in the Maldives, with interesting finds!

People who love going shopping are attracted by the things which the capital island of Maldives has to offer. The markets at Male’ have the very good quality garments which are very trendy too. The jewellery designs are awesome and people cannot resist themselves from buying. People are crazy about the new gadgets and gizmos along with the hand-made items which are really cool.

The local markets all over the country are filled with stalls on both sides of the roads which display all the local items of the Maldives. All the vegetables and fruits which are grown in Maldives are displayed here along with other food items such as meat, pickles, sweets and many others. You always picture a local market to be a crowded and noisy place, but here it is just the opposite. The local markets at Maldives are very peaceful, mainly because there are so many of them relative to the population density.

The Majeedhee Magu is one of the main shopping zones of the city and the plus point about it is that it is located on the main road of Male’ and has all variety of goods. Everything which one can imagine is available at this market and at affordable rates. Majeedhee Magu remains open till 11 at night, and closes down for around 20 minutes during the time of prayers. Chaandanee Magu is another shopping zone which is very famous for the items available there to gift as a souvenir. Many Maldivian items which are hand-made are best suited to gift as a souvenir. There are certain structures and sculptures made of wood which are very attractive to look at, and do not cost much. You can be assured that the person who has everything does NOT already have Maldivian sculptures in their collection!

Exporting items which are made from animals, shells of the turtle, oyster shell and the coral is considered as a crime by the Government of Maldives. Thus tourists should be careful not to buy any such sort of thing while going for shopping in Maldives. Discovering the different places in Maldives is very easy because almost everything is at a walking distance. The taxis are also available 24 hours to serve you. So be sure to get out, browse around, and pick up a few nice things to remember your trip.

Maldives Music

Maldives is an island, due to which its culture is influenced by many nearby countries. Similarly the music of Maldives also has an influence of many nations such as Southern India, East Africa, Arabia and also Malaysia and Indonesia. This makes Maldivian music an indigenous combination of many cultures which has evolved over years of environmental and social effects. The music of Maldives not only consists of good lyrics and tunes, they also express hopes, love, feelings of its natives and their life style. Folk music is the real picture of Maldivian culture and tradition. Other than traditional music, Maldivian music also includes various forms of international music that has entered the island at different time during history.

The various different forms of dances and music that are enjoyed by Maldivian together to celebrate festivals and special events have helped them to stay united. The music keeps patriotism alive in their hearts. Some of the music and dances that represents its culture and marks its festivals and other events are:

Bodu Beru is the most famous type of Maldivian music, in which participants dance on the beats of drums. Generally, there is a lead singer who is accompanied by a group of 10-15 singers. The dance mainly consists of jerks, leaps and claps.

Bandiya Jehun is the next most popular form of dance and music in Maldives. It is a ‘women only’ form of folk dance in which the dancers carry metal water pots and move to the rhythm and tune of the music. This dance can be performed on both traditional and modern music.

Thaara is another form of Maldivian music which is performed by 22 people in two parallel rows facing each other. It is more of religious dance form where only men participate. Arabs introduced Thaara in the seventeenth century but now it can only be seen on national events.

Dhandijehun is a form of group dance performed only by men in special dresses. The dancers use a prop called ‘Dhandi’ and move to the tunes of the song. Here, dancers strike their sticks with their partner’s stick to dance.

Langiri is a modified form of Tharra. It is mostly enjoyed as an evening dance show where young men dances on the rhythm of music. This dance form also uses sticks which are clapped in different pattern with neighboring dancers. There is also a main singer who recites the lyrics and it usually lasts for six to seven songs.

Other form of Maldives music and dance includes Bolimalaafath neshun, Gaa Odi Lava, Maafathi neshun, Kulhudhuffushi and Fathigandu Jehun. All these forms of music and dance show the rich culture of Maldives. Each form of music has its own importance and origin in history. Some of them have slightly modified with time and have adapted to modern music. Tourists who are music and dance lovers must attend the cultural shows at Maldives. This will give you the flavor of real folk dances and traditional music which is influenced by a number of countries.

Maldives Cruising

Cruising in Maldives provides you with an opportunity to discover the sparkling waters and to enjoy an absolute escape to sea. If you are going to Maldives and you are not experiencing the breathtaking pleasures of Maldives cruising, then without a doubt your holiday will have been incomplete.

It is in the course of cruising in Maldives that you can view underwater marine wonders and the natural beauty of Maldivian lagoons. The waters close to the reef houses are as clear as crystal and offer a spectacular holiday time to tourists.

August to February is considered as the most excellent time to visit the place, as Maldives experiences tropical climate all throughout the year. The months from May to September are specifically dominated by southwest monsoons while months from December to April pronounce the influence of Northeast monsoons. So strong winds and rough seas along with recurrent high tides exemplifies the weather of Maldives at this point of time. So pack your bags now and get geared up to smoothly sail through the crystal clear waters.

Liveaboards
Liveaboards in Maldives are an expression of indispensable cruising experience in Maldives.  A selection of the popular boats for cruising include:

• Atoll Explorer
• Adventurer I
• Nooraanee Queen
• Sultan of Maldives
• Island Explorer
• Sultan of Maldives

Most of these are operational with the following modern facilities:

• Air-conditioning
• Sun decks
• Cabins coupled with bathrooms and kitchenettes
• Sound proof generators
• Cabins and lounge areas
• Diving and safety equipments like oxygen cylinders and compressors.
• Restaurant and bar facilities

The vessel size may vary from single, double to even forty-fifty cabin ships, depending on your taste and preferences.

Be it sunset or sunrise, the entire experience of cruising in Maldives safari boats is outstanding. While you sail around in the boats you can gaze at the colorful sky ahead that breaks into crimson sunset or golden dawn. Watch the waters shining with silvery gleam beneath the moonlit night. As you unwind yourself on al fresco on deck, experience the counting of stars. Just grasp a haul of tunas and barracudas or simply take pleasure in a splendid meal of seafood delicacies while you smell the warmth of sea air.

Escaping the tantrums of day to day life, Maldives cruising is a hospitable relief. You can also take pleasure in a wide assortment of water sports like diving, jet skiing, snorkeling, paragliding, simply riding or windsurfing in cool lucent waters.

The boats are generally equipped with chefs that promise you with ideal culinary delights. One can enjoy Italian, Thai, Japanese, Asian and German dishes all along wit a plethora of special seafood snacks and touch of champagnes and exotic wines.

Featured Yacht Rania
Rania is a sumptuous yacht that provides you with an ultimate experience as you can relax yourself beneath the miraculous spell of the stars and moon. While you observe the splendid sunrise and sunset you can take pleasure in the culinary wonders that are held in the hands of private chefs, mend your body, mind and spirit. You can pamper yourself by spa treatments and get pleasure from a memorable experience.

The rooms in Rania are fitted with the following amenities:

• Air-conditioning
• Tea-coffee making facilities
• Comfortable beds and beddings
• Mini bars
• Satellite TVs
• Internet facilities
• DVD/CD players

The much-admired chefs are at all times available for your service and you can splendidly enjoy a widespread variety of culinary buffets. To expend your time aidst the lavish yacht, it requires some exclusive booking.

Along with many other water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing and paragliding you can enjoy a diving experience worth lifetime. Rania experience provides magnificent diving experiences in Faafu Atoll that unquestionably rivals the diving experiences close to Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef.  So pack your bags and get ready for cruising in Maldives to have a holiday of a lifetime that you will never forget.

Maldives Surfing

Maldives surfing-a perfect idea for a luxury vacation

Maldives surfing is a redefinition of the idea of a sumptuous surfing vacation where you can splendidly enjoy the warm kiss of the waves that washes your body and enlivens your spirit and mind, alike. Be sure to surfing and sailing a part of any Maldives vacation package you book!

Maldives surfing trips are amazing as they provide twofold facility of surfing in the water of Maldives that is crystal clear as well as an opportunity to enjoy the surfing tours in luxury ships. Maldives surfing trips are just an illustration of high-end serenity.

So when your friend who is a non-surfer is enjoying the lavishness of traveling in a ship, you can drown yourself in the jovial Maldives waters to take pleasure in remarkable surfing in Maldives.

Surfing Weather?

Maldives weather is regulated by two monsoons – the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoons. The surf season in Maldives starts from late February and it lasts until mid of November, while the best waves come in during the month of March to May and subsequently in September and continues till the conclusion of November.

During the seasons of surfing, the standard volume of the reef breakers varies from 4-5 feet, and at times it even ascends to a height of around 8 to 10 feet.

Where to Surf

Principally there are two main Maldives surfing areas – Outer Atolls whose season is from February to April and the North Male Atoll whose season is from April to October

Most significant surfing points in Maldives are as follows:
• Chickens – It is also recognized as Kuda Vilingili, and is positioned in the eastern reef of surfing area known as North Male Atoll
• Cokes – Positioned at Thulusdhoo ,in the easternmost reef of North Male Atoll.
• Lohi’s – Placed at Lohifushi Island, it is also located at easternmost reef of North Male Atoll
• Honky’s – It is also identified as Thanburudhoo, and is positioned in the easternmost reef of North Male Atoll
• Guru’s – This renowned surfing point is located at southernmost tip of North Male atoll.
• Natives – Positioned at Kandooma It is also situated at eastern reef of North Male atoll.
• Kate’s – Placed at Boduhuraa close to Palm Tree Island, it is sited at eastern reef of surfing area acknowledged as South Male Atoll
• Riptides – To be found in Guraidhoo, it is positioned at the eastern reef of surfing area known as South Male Atoll
• Sultans – Positioned at Kanu Huraa, it is also sited at eastern reef of surfing area that is identified as North Male Atoll
• Tomb Stones – Sited at Thamburudhoo, this surfing spot adjoins Sultans, in the North Male Atoll’s eastern reef
• Piddlies/Ninjas – positioned in Kanifinolhu Island, it is placed on the easternmost reef of very famous North Male Atoll.
• Quarters – well-known as Gulhigaathuhuraa, in the abandoned island that is attached to Palm Island Resort
• Male Island Point – It is sited in Furana Fushi Island in the North Male Atoll’s eastern reef
• Twin Peaks – placed at Miyaru Faru close to the island of Gulhi in easternmost reef of south Male Atoll

In view of the fact that the North Male Atoll includes much more Maldives surfing spots than South Male Atoll, hence it can be accessed by the surf charter yachts.

While you are traveling in the surfing boats of Maldives, you can rouse up to the just perfect sunrise waves, get pleasure from a hearty breakfast, and plunge into the waters to enjoy extravagant surfing, gulp down superb lunch cuisines and then enjoy one of the finest fishing in the world all over again. Make sure your next Maldives vacation package includes time set aside for surfing some of these fine waves.

Maldives Activities

What if there were one place in the world that you could travel to and be able to see and do the most amazing things you have ever dreamed of? There does exist such a place and it is called the Maldives. Located in the Indian Ocean, the legendary Maldives have been attracting tourists for years. There are many attractions that allure people in and capture their hearts. There are so many sights to see and things to do that you will never have to worry about not having anything to do. Even if you want to spend your days soaking up the warm sun on one of the many sandy beaches, you will be surrounded by beauty and charm.

Formed from large land masses that broke apart millions of years ago, the Maldives were formed from old volcanoes and created some of the most beautiful reefs, coral and scenery that you could ever imagine. The Maldives became famous for the money shells that were abundant and used for trade. The fishing in the Maldives led to the discovery of the Maldive fish, which is still a delicacy in India.

If you love to try different foods and experience new cultures, the Maldives is the place for you to try. The exotic fish offer delicacies that are well known around the world. The tropical climate allows for many kinds of tropical vegetables and fruits to grow, and the people who live in the Maldives are strong in their culture and heritage. The recipes and cuisine that derived in the Maldives are yours to experience at one of the many luxury resorts that are part of the islands.

If water sports are your choice of fun and excitement, you will find
plenty of ways to spend your sunny days in the Maldives. Surfing, snorkeling, diving and boating are a few of the activities that you can enjoy on your stay. For those who prefer the serenity of the sandy beach and the relaxing sounds of the oceans, there are plenty of sandy beaches waiting for you to see. There are tours that you can take by ferry boat that will guide you through the islands and show you some of the most beautiful scenery that you will ever see. The coral reefs and amazing views will delight you.

If you love to fish, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your afternoons on a fishing tour or learning about the rich culture of fishing in the islands. No matter what it is that you are looking for, or what you enjoy to do, you are sure to find it all in the Maldives. If you are looking for a vacation that offers beauty, heritage, tropical climates, rare and exotic fish and plant life and so much more, the Maldives are waiting for you to explore. The many resorts make it easy for you to stay and relax among nature and discover all of the beauty of paradise in the islands.