Culture

The culture of Maldives is influenced by a number of other elements from other countries such as East Africa, South India, Sri Lanka and the Middle East. The location of Maldives in the central Indian Ocean has also contributed to its development as a land of diverse cultures and traditions. The people of Maldives often refer themselves as the people of a ‘100% Muslim country' which explains the predominant religion of Maldives. It is also believed that the country has some elements of Arabian and Indonesian origin that has gone to define its cultural habits and customs. The Islamic beliefs and attitudes thus, have a great influence in shaping the common and widespread beliefs in evil spirits and jinns. In order to protect themselves from the evil effects, the people of Maldives use spells and charms. The extent to which these rituals are practiced here are often compared to a magico-religious system known as ‘fanditha'.

The country also tends to be to somewhat influenced by the strong matriarchal system found in Sri Lanka and Kerala. A high rate of divorce distinguishes the Maldivian society that is believed to be influenced by the Islamic and South Asian cultures, explaining at the same time the high degree of autonomy of the Maldivian women.

A. Music

The most popular form of music and dance in Maldives is Bodu Beru, which is enjoyed by the young and the old alike. Almost every island in Maldives is home to a Bodu Beru troupe, which plays in all festivals and functions. The typical musical instruments used for Bodu Beru music comprises of four drums, made of hollowed coconut wood and various percussion instruments. A leading singer chants the lyrics followed by a chorus of ten to fifteen people, clapping to the beat of the drums. The rhythm and tunes of the song keep building till all the people participating in it reach a stage of frenzied crescendo.

The other forms of popular music in Maldives include Thaara, Dhandijehun and Bandiyaa Jehun. According to common beliefs Thaara was derived as a part of the Middle East culture, which is now played only during national events. Festivals such as Eid and other similar occasions are celebrated with the performance of Dhandijehun while Bandiyaa Jehun is performed mostly by young women carrying water pots and dancing to the melodious tunes. The performance is marked by the tapping of the pots with the rings worn by the young men on their fingers.

In spite of a growing popularity of the western pop and Indian music in Maldives, the country still retains its traditional form and unique styles of music that include raivaru and bandhi and farihi.

B. Language

Dhivehi is the official language of Maldives, inspired by several other languages such as Arabic, Hindi and English. The language also has elements, resembling the language of other countries such as North India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. The Dhivehi language was used for teaching in schools until the 1960s when the medium of language was changed to English.

English, now, is widely spoken all over Maldives. In the early days, the people of Maldives spoke a language known as ‘Elu', which was considered to be a form of the ancient Singhalese.

C. Religious Practices

Since 1153, the central predominant religion of Maldives has been Islam. All festivals and religious events are followed by the Muslin calendar here. Arabic alphabets are taught from a very young age and religious lessons are given both at home as well as in schools. Islam is included in the school curriculum and is taught simultaneously with all the other subjects.

The people of Maldives fall under the sect of Sunni Muslims all of whom conduct prayers five times a day in the mosques situated on every island inhabited by them. It is a common belief of all Maldivian Muslims that the presence of ‘Allah' (God) is all encompassing and according to them ‘Muhammad' is Allah's messenger on earth. The conception of a life after death and final judgment is instrumental in deciding their destination towards hell or heaven after demise. Some of their typical customs include giving alms to the poor and making a pilgrimage to Mecca (at least once in a lifetime). Fasting during Ramada (one of the most important festivals) is also held as mandatory.

D. Major Events

Ramadan

The ninth month of the Muslim calendar is celebrated as Ramadan with the Muslims observing a 30-day fast. During this time the working hours are changed when all the government offices remain open from 9.00am to 1.30pm. Even the Private sectors restrict their working hours till 3pm.

Eid-ul-Al'h'aa

Eid-ul-Al'h'aa is celebrated on the 10th day on Zul Hijja, following the Islamic calendar. The longest holiday of the year comes at this time with everybody preparing for a visit to friends and families residing on other islands or they organize a pilgrimage. The holy festival, lasting for five to seven days is celebrated with traditional music, dance and sports with young and old going hand in hand to participate in the events.

Prophet's Birthday

According to the Islamic calendar, the 12th day of Rabee-ul-Awwal is celebrated as the prophet's birthday. The day is observed among families and friends by inviting each other to their homes and sharing the special dishes prepared specifically to honor this auspicious day.

National Day

The remarkable victory of Mohammed Thakurufaanu against the Portuguese is celebrated on the National day. The day falls on the third month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated on the first day of Rabee ul Awwal.

Independence Day

The citizens of Maldives celebrate their Independence Day on 26th July with the official celebrations taking place at the Republic Square in the evening. A parade by the National security service is followed by a march past carried out by the National Cadet Corps. Children from different schools perform drills and traditional dances decked up in colorful dresses. The event reaches its final stage with the passing of floats and processions of modern as well as traditional themes.

Republic Day

Marches and parades celebrate the day (11th November, 1968) on which Maldives became a Republic.

Kuda Eid

The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebrations of Kuda Eid, falling on the first day of month of Shawaal, according to the Islamic calendar. The occasion marks the end of the month-long fasting during the Ramadan with a feast where all friends, families and neighbors are invited. All men and women gather at the mosque early in the morning to offer their prayers. The occasion is celebrated for three days by observing a public holiday during this period.

E. Etiquettes / Do's & Don' ts

Do's

- Familiarize yourself with the reef fish names and the marine life that you would find while snorkeling and scuba diving in Maldives.

- Respect the Islamic laws while in Maldives.

- Take off your shoes before entering into anyone's house.

- Dress decently while you are visiting the villages.

- Carry a lot of films for photography. Films can be very expensive here.

Don'ts

- Do not forget to ensure a reservation in the hotel before arriving to Maldives. Although, you might find people flocking to you and promising great hotels, you might actually end up paying more if you choose to book through these men.

- Do not carry alcohol, obscene magazines or pork while you are visiting Maldives.

- It is advisable not to be out on the streets till late at night as a curfew begins at 10pm.

- Do not forget to experience a ride on the local sailing craft, known as the ‘dhoni'.