Cultural influx awaiting at the Savaadheeththa Dhathuru
by Maldives Yacht Rally 23 Feb 2023 06:12 UTC
1-18 March 2023
'Savaadheeththa Dhathuru' is a sailing event organized by the Maldives Integrated Tourism Corporation (MITDC) that invites yachtsmen from around the world to take part in a journey across the Maldives seas, stopping at local islands, exploring the heritage, experiencing famous dive sites, sandbanks, and so on.
The Maldives is rich in culture and heritage. The Maldives' culture, derived from a variety of sources, shares its proximity to the shores of Sri Lanka and South India. From cultural activities to dance and song, Maldives culture is heavily influenced by other cultures throughout the world. The Savaadheeththa Dhathuru allows participants to see, participate, and appreciate these events.
The biggest cultural event that awaits all rally participants on all islands is Boduberu. "Boduberu" is believed to have originated in Africa and was adopted by African traders and slaves. The drums, known as the Maldivians' heartbeat, are made from coconut tree wood and manta ray skin, which is eventually replaced by goat hide. These drums have a deep bass sound and were traditionally beaten by the working class after a long day's work, coupled with song and dance. Typically, it begins languidly and gradually increases in tempo, ending in a crescendo that sends both dancers and viewers into a heart-thumping frenzy.
Eid is one of the most widely observed holidays in the Maldives, and it comes with two of the most anticipated celebrations: Bodu Mas and Koadi Kendun. Locals in Landhoo have prepared for visitors to enjoy this magnificent Eid festivities. Bodu Mas is when islanders assemble to see fisherman catch a large fish made of woven coconut palm leaves. 'Maali Neshun,' a traditional kind of dance performed by a group of individuals painted and costumed up as evil spirits and ghosts, follow this festival. Bodu Mas is often the highlight of the Eid festivities, and its based on a famous folklore about a gigantic fish rising from the sea and the struggle between the "jinn" and local fisherman to catch the fish.
Together with Bodu mas, Koadi Kendun (the chopping down of a wooden staff) is observed. Koadi Kedun is a dance centered around a wooden rod adorned with coconut leaves and flowers and then fastened to the top of a coconut tree. The ladies then compete to protect the "Koadi" from being brought down by the males. The women reward the man who ultimately brings it down with a dip in the sea and a feast fit for a king.
Other cultural dances that await our participants on this rally are; "Kurufali Jehun" ("Kurufali" literally means short oars or paddles and "Kurufali Jehun" is a dance performed using paddles/oars on a small rowing boat); "Dhandi Jehun" (a dance usually performed by men using short sticks with a pompom at the end); "Maafathi Jehun" (a dance usually performed by ladies holding semi-circular flower garlands); "Bandiya Jehun" (another dance traditionally performed by young ladies rhythmically beating metal water pots with the rings on their fingers) and "Dhafi Negun" (a dance performed by both men and women dancing around in a circle trying to compete with each other to take the "Dhafi" placed in the middle).
The trip to B. Goidhoo and ADh. Dhangethi give the participants the opportunity to enjoy some of our local games. Fothi Foruvaa, the Maldivian twist to musical chairs whereby the music is replaced with hiding a piece of cloth.
The island of Dhangethi, is preparing for the participants to experience the fun between our local sport "Mandi" and one of the most loved traditional Maldivian Games "Ohvalhu." Mandi is a local sport played using a long stick (a bat) and small wooden pieces (3- 4 inch long, locally called "foali). It is played as two teams, one as the striking team and other team as the catching team.
Ohvalhu translates to "game of 8 holes." An Ohvalhu board has six, seven, or eight holes. The game includes filling each hole with shells and keeping the large cups empty. Played in turns, the first player picks up some shells and moves counterclockwise. They then put one shell in each cup, including the large cup to their right, until all the shells are on the board. If the last pebble ends up in a cup that's already filled, the player will pick up the whole bounty and go about the process until done with them all.
However, the most common activities that await the participants are demonstrations of a number of cultural activities. Some of the activities are as follows.
Thatching, locally called Fangi Vinun, is using dried coconut palm fronds and coir rope to make palm thatch, which was used as roofs and wall covers in the past. Fangi Vinun is a significant form traditional handicraft of the Maldives. Women have always had an important role in the making of thatch, contributing to the economic wellbeing of the Maldivian society.
Roanu Veshun (in Dhivehi) is one of the Maldives' traditional crafts. Locals use different parts of the coconut palm to produce items for their daily needs and coir rope is used in boats and the construction of traditional houses.
Bonbi Thelhun is something done to loosen the fibrous coir strands from the coconut husk.
Handoo Hovun is an activity where rice grains are filled into huge aluminium plates called "dholangu" and the women sway their palms in the grains and pick out the "little odd ones."
All these cultural activities, dances, music and games are what awaits the participants of the Savaadheeththa Dhathuru 2023, Second Edition. The rally is filled with adventure, knowledge and a whole load of fun. So don't miss out and join the rally now!
For more information visit the official website of the yacht rally: maldivesyachtrally.com.