Folk Dances in Maldives – the essence of a unique culture

The Maldives is undoubtedly an experience that one must discover. From its exciting water based activities, succulent seafood to its absorbing culture, the isles would usher in a mood of complete serenity. Selecting the soothing ambience of a Maldives resort will let you enjoy the company of traditional folk dances. Cocoa Island Maldives which falls under the category of Maldives luxury resorts would serve you well on your travels.

Bodu Beru music is a form of tribal dance that usually occurs during important festivals and in involves the use of hollow coconut wood drums and the singing of folk music. The Bolimalaafath Nesgun dance is where Maldivian women form groups and sing to the beats of music. This practice which was carried out when offerings were made to the Sultan in the past still remains an integral part of the local culture. Performed by men folk, the Dhandi Jehun dance comprises of a lead singer who sings ‘Unbaa’ or ‘Tha’ra’ tunes along with the rest of the 29 members who sing in chorus. Here performers hold three sticks referred to as the ‘Dhandi’. Other forms of dance that one could experience is the Kadhaa Maali folk dance and the Bandiyaa Jehun dance that all have one thing in common; tradition.

Festivals in Maldives: Time to Spread the Goodwill and Joy

The Maldives provides you with quite a good blend of the modern and the traditional Islamic customs and most of the festivals are marked by important religious days. Ramadan being the most important celebrations of any Islamic nation, it is celebrated widely in Maldives as well. Marking the end of thirty days of fasting, this reputed day falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated annually, heavily marked by a lot feasting, spreading the goodwill and joy of the season. Visiting the Maldives during this time of the year could prove to be a bit of a challenge as the business hours are cut down by half but nevertheless you definitely would get a chance to experience Muslim traditions and customs first hand.

The festival of Eid-ul Al’h’aa is another prominent festival celebrated all over the Maldives. Falling on the 10th day on Zul Hijja in the Islamic Calendar, it heralds the time of year when devotes who can afford the journey are expected to embark on the famous pilgrimage to the holy Ka’aba in Mecca, and for those who stay behind, it is a time for celebrations and feasting. This lengthy holiday period may not be the ideal time for you to explore the isles as most of the locals spend the holiday time travelling; however, there are such a lot of activities in store for you irrelevant of your age or gender. Traditional as well as modern sports, music, dance and much more could be looked forward to. Other than these, the Prophet’s Birthday and Kuda Eid are celebrated with much enthusiasm.

The 26th of July marks the celebration of Independence in the Maldives, and this is another national festival that creates a festive atmosphere throughout the country. March pasts, drills, and traditional dances are some of the highlights of the day. The Republic Day celebrations give another opportunity to for the locals to enjoy a holiday as well as to commemorate the day. This is yet another day when the streets are decorated extensively with flags and one may see many riotous parades in the streets. The great victory of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese rulers in 1573 is celebrated each year on the first of the third month in the Islamic calendar and this marks the National Day of the Maldives.

The bountiful coral reefs, turquoise-blue waters, the delightful sea food cuisine, and exceptional hospitality services are part of the perks on offer at the Maldives luxury resorts gracing this unique archipelago, and a choice selection is the Coco Island Maldives. With gracious hospitality and luxury interiors, this Maldives Resort promises to pamper you beyond your wildest expectations.

Family Gatherings – Eid ul Adha in Maldives

The Maldives joins all other Islamic nations in the world to commemorate Eid ul Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, in honour of prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to show obedience to god. It is also a commemoration of the end of the Haj. Fifteen mosques in Male, Hulhumale and Vilingili are designated to conduct special Eid prayers. The Eid Adha is performed any time after sun rise, before the Zuhr time on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah according to the Muslim calendar, around the middle of October, and lasts for four days. Goats and sheep are sacrificed as god accepted a sheep in the place of Ishmael. As worshippers are encouraged to turn out in their best for Eid prayers the shops in Male do a brisk business in new clothes.

Many people in Male take advantage of the four day holiday to go to their homes to be with family in the outer islands where Eid Adha is celebrated in the traditional way. The day begins with early morning prayers followed by a sermon and with Boduberu, Maali, Dhiun and Vedhuma dances and drumming involving the whole community and ends up with a delicious feast with special goodies made with the participation of the whole family in a convivial atmosphere. The feast can only be celebrated once the full moon has been spied and the date for the feast announced by a religious leader. Male is declared a traffic free zone from 4 to 10 pm for the holiday allowing families in the city to engage in traditional religious activities and share their joy with friends and family. Greeting cards are exchanged but now SMSs are more popular. This is the day that Muslims show their gratitude to Allah for showering his blessings on them. Islamic charities help the less privileged to celebrate Eid ul Adha by organizing feasts and animal sacrifices.

Cocoa Island Maldives is the kind of place that discerning holiday makers choose to enjoy tranquility in addition to tropical splendour. Stay in spacious, beautifully appointed contemporary overwater villas and suites with panoramic sea views; try Asian fusion and Mediterranean cuisines in addition to healthful Como Shambala cuisine and enjoy many hours of over and underwater leisure activities at thisMaldives luxury hotel. Take away very special memories of a wonderful vacation at this exceptional Maldives resort.