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.

Maldivian Culture

Very little is known about ancient people and their style of life. Historians put forward that the most primitive colonizers of the place voyaged from Indian Subcontinent, eastern Africa and Arabia among other lands. Data shows that Maldives has been flourishing and nurturing homes to people since primeval times (4th century B.C.). Presently the natives of Maldives exist as a mixed race. A survey conducted in 1997 estimated that the total population of the place is 263,189 out of which 127,647 (approximately 48.5%) are women. The stature is expected to rise in the upcoming years.

The inhabitants of the Maldives reflect the unique grandeur culture of the place. They exist as a miniature kin based society tied by the knots of common culture and history. They communicate through Dhivehi language and are devote their heart to Islam. Their belief in Islam adds a touch of vigor in their lifestyle. Dedication to the faith strengthens their unity and existence. It acts as a source of divine power. Both men and women folk are purely loyal towards the President, community and the whole nation. The faith in oneself and each other mirrors traditional family bonds. The inhabitants of Maldives are spiritual as well as intelligent. They welcome the visitors cheerfully and respectfully.

The populace of the land echoes an ideal blend of modernity and tradition. All hold the right to an education. Everyone has room to contribute equally to the economic life of the nation. In all, no marked disparities exist among the people.

Approximately 200,000 people extend over the islands of Maldives. The capital city of Male’ provides a niche to around one fourth of them. Village people may not reveal their true hospitality as they are shy of foreigners. But the warmth will elicit soon when you will be served with fresh coconut milk and freshly prepared hot snack (usually from sea food).

Soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, cricket and badminton are very popular sports of this land of islands. Juveniles are encouraged here to grow emotionally, mentally as well as physically. Values like honesty, friendliness and kindness are imbibed in the blood and soil of the place. Old customs have been preserved here like jewels of artistic grandeur.

The government is dedicated and enthusiastically works towards improving the standard of living of people. Children are boosted to opt and strive for advanced education. Government sponsors grants for young students to pursue higher education abroad and then come back and serve the nation.

Enthusiastic, dynamic and intelligent young women work diligently and vigorously to serve the people and nation. They embrace significant stance in the working of the government. As the dawn basks around, fishermen get set ready to embrace their craft with silver, ladies attired in traditional costumes flounce the base of the school building cleaning it for the Independence Day celebrations. If you are in this land, you will find people devotionally offering the religious prayers five times a day at one of the numerous mosques. Colorful festivals add that touch of vibrance to the exuberant, talented and dynamic people of the country.

In all, the culture of the Maldives is very warm, friendly and welcoming – a place to enjoy and dream of revisiting.

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 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.