Like the unique geographical formation, the cultural events and ceremonials are unique according to the event that is celebrated or performed. Naming a newborn child, Bodumaloodhu (a prayer accompanied with festive meal), Eid festival and circumcision of male child are few events that take place where the taste of rich cultural 'cocktail' can be experienced. Bodu beru (big drum) performanceis the best-known form of performance of traditional music and dance where females and males participate. Bandiyaa (a dance performed by woman), Thaara (dance performed by male) is among the top traditional music and dances practiced in the Maldive Islands.
Traditional food basically fish used as the main component has been influenced from the Indian subcontinent. Garudhya (tuna soup), spicy curry and rice are the stable food of most of the population. Most other dishes such as western meals like pasta are normally modified with a flavour of tuna in it when prepared for local consumption. Other meats and chicken are normally eaten in special occasions.
Koadi Dancing
The Koadi dance is derived from a traditional game held the day before the eid festivities. The women of the island tie a prize or “Koadi” to a tree whilst the men have to attempt to retrieve it without getting caught by the women. Eventually when someone finally manages to retrieve the prize he is treated to a celebratory procession and the Koadi Dance is derived from this.
Koadi dancing
The Most recognizable indigenous music from the Maldives, Bodu Beru has it’s roots in the tribal rhythms of African tribes. Bodu Beru (literally meaning Big Drum) performances typically consist of around four drums and drummers, a lead singer and a band of ten to fifteen men. Performances start out slow but can gradually build up to a frenzied rhythm whereupon more and more audience and band members step up to join in the intense trancelike dancing.
Boduberu
Boduberu
In Fathigandu Jehun the songs are usually epics. The story is sung to the rhythm of the music. A famous Fathigandu song is “Burunee Raivaru” which tells the story of a Sultan who left in search of a wife. Fathigandu Jehun is an evening performance in which a group or a single dancer gyrates to the rhythm of the music using small sticks held in the palms or larger sticks held in different hands which are struck together.
Fathigadu jehun
Fathigadu Jehun
Dhandi Jehun is a popular dance form of the beautiful islands of Maldives. The style in which the Maldives Dhandi Jehun folk dance is performed varies from island to island. A group of 30 men participate in this dance. It is believed that Dhandi Jehun dance has come from Malik (Minicoy Islands). Read on to know more about the Dhandi Jehun folk dance Of Maldives.
The dance consists of a lead singer, who usually sings the "Thaara" songs or "Unbaa" songs. Other group members sing in chorus and dance to the beat of the song. In the Dhandi Jehun folk dance show, each performer holds three sticks called Dhandi. While dancing, he hits his Dhandi with that of the performer facing him. There is no specific dress for the dancers. However, they all dress up in uniformity.
Hitchah Vadaigathun is a royal processional ceremony dating back deep into the Maldives history. The Sultan’s royal guard upon his arrival onto an island conducts the procession. The distinctive round umbrellas are held over the Sultan and his entourage whilst soldiers armed with spears flank them on both sides. A troupe of Bodu Beru drummers play their drums to a slow beat as the procession moves forward.
