Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo portrays tradition through celebrations

The westernmost inhabited island of the Maldives, Makunudhoo, is an island belonging to Haa Dhaalu Atoll. It is an island rich in nature and a history of wreckages. In ancestral times, the geographical location of the island makes it one of the first islands to arrive en-route from the West. The British spice ship Hayston was the most famous wreck to be known of, where tons of cloves were salvaged and distributed.

The mid-year festivities in conjunction with Eid and school holidays were brightly celebrated in Makunudhoo as with most islands of the Maldives. A beloved game that the islanders play is called Vagu Kulhun which centers around a folklore of the island. The game is based on the story which revolves around a King and his esteemed fields.

The notorious "Kalhube", the name given to a local who lived approximately 40 years ago, is a favorite among the islanders. It was said that the man never married and was comical in his nature. He was a hardworking person who went around giving Kurumba (coconut juice) to women and chewing betel leaves with areca nuts . Each year for the Eid celebrations, the islanders depict a day in the life of "Kalhube" through a drama.

This year’s drama was about a "Dhoani Ehe’lun" for a family member of Kalhube. Dhoani Ehe’lun is the traditional way of pulling a boat from the sea where men and women participate in unison. Through the drama, Makunudhoo islanders portray their traditional livelihood entailing rope weaving and making traditional dresses among others.

No festivity is rounded off without great food. The feasts laid out for visitors and locals were simple yet delicious, nostalgia in portions. One of the dishes the islanders make is ‘ Baibondi’ which has been around since historical times. When it is done, the women hide it in different places. The men of the island have to find it within a given number of days. If it isn’t found, the women take it from the hiding places and distribute it.

The island also did "Maali" parades and stage shows which are more inclined towards modern celebrations. The Maali parade included the "Bodumas kulhun" which showcases traditions of the island. Both women and men participated in the occasion with zeal. The President of the local council, Auzam Adam, noted that, ‘ Through these gatherings, family and friends get together showing harmony in the community. It is our aim to foster these relations with our associations and nurture the youth to build a striving community together’.