The ongoing Eid celebrations in atolls of the Maldives have created a joyful vibe with colorful renditions of ancestral games. The small island of Kihaadhoo, belonging to Baa Atoll, one of the most naturally diverse atolls in the island nation, is up in the list of festive islands this year. Though the island has a small population, the community showed vigor in their festivities, with both men and women equally involved.
A standout event carried out on the first day of Eid was the feast tables laid out with homemade local food in street corners. The islanders and visitors hop from one table to the other, plate in hand, trying out dishes cooked from various households.
The dishes are made with love, with Kihadhoo special tweaks in locally famous dishes. Alternative years, the men of the island take over the Eid day cooking. To taste the food from all the tables is a must and rightly so, as each dish is full of flavor, cooked from homegrown ingredients. The sight of it whilst experiencing it is a delight; the air is filled with laughter and good food, the right start to a week of Eid spree.
The ancient practice of ‘Koadi Kendun’ is an ongoing Eid tradition in Kihaadhoo similar to other islands. The creative performance is highly anticipated by the community adding a flair of mystery to the Eid fiestas. The Koadi, a wooden pole made from a palm tree and decked with palm fronds, is decorated by the men of the island on the first day of Eid. The Koadi is brought out onto the streets in the evening, and a dance is performed around it.
As dusk falls, the island's men take the Koadi and fasten it to a coconut tree chosen by the women. The men then attempt to slip past and bring the koadi down while being defended by the island's women. The women "thank" the victorious man by feeding him a feast fit for a king. If the men cannot find the Koadi, they reward the women by a feast named ‘Farivalhu’. The person who cut the Koadi would take part in a customary Alhi Dheli Maali public parade the following day. This practice is beloved by the islanders and visitors as it is a thrilling event lasting through the whole night until noon the next day.
The women’s fishing race is another activity that brings together all the women of Kihaadhoo. The groups that participate, showcase fishing to be an inclusive activity. With portrayals of fisherwomen that best defines their style, the women are adorned in creative clothing ready to cast their lines.
From traditional dances to a children’s evening to ancestrally celebrated ways of Eid, the island of Kihaadhoo takes it all in with a bounce in their step. The whole island gets together for the celebrations with a collective smile. Each year, together with the full support of the local council, the islanders revel in the traditions brought down from generations before.
Sign In
