Culture
Local livelihood, games, activities in Maldives
The culture of Maldives is an amalgamation of various other cultures. Some of the traditional practices constitute elements of other origins but are unique in their own special ways.
As we are currently going through a challenging time, it is vital for families to come together and engage in thought-provoking and interesting games and activities to keep the worries at bay.
Today, we will take a look at some traditional Maldivian games and activities everyone can be a part of.
Gan’du Fillaa
Gan’du Fillaa is an easy and simple game that several generations of people have enjoyed. It is often played indoors and requires readily available items in the house. The rules, customs and the sing-sung words announced by the guesser have barely changed over the last few years.The objective: Guess who is hiding inside the “gan’du”
Equipment: Bed, a big blanket, pillows and any other items
Number of players: Three+
How to play: One person steps out and away from the main playing area, often a bedroom. That would be called the “guesser.” When he steps out, the remaining players decide who should hide inside the blanket, which is called the “gan’du.” The others assist in putting pillows and any other items around and on top of the person laying down, before covering him with the blanket. Once it is done, the remaining players hide in various parts of the room. Usually, the players hide inside the bathroom or closet if the room does not have any other hiding spots. Anyone can call upon the guesser to come back. The guesser comes back and sings “gan’du heley heley heley” and when he does, the person inside has to shake but he cannot utter a single word. Then, the guesser guesses who the individual is. If he gets it correct, he gets to join the team and the person inside the gan’du becomes the new guesser. If he gets it wrong, he has to go back and a new round starts again.
Thin Hama
Thin Hama is a strategic board game. Traditionally, the grid would be drawn on a wooden square and players would use “boli” (shells) and “madhoshi” (a red seed) from “madhoshi gas” (Adenanthera Pavonina) commonly found in the Maldives. It is a game that has existed for several generations, with our forefathers having stories of their forefathers teaching them this thought-provoking game.
Objective: To make three in a row in order to get the opponents pieces
Equipment: A grid, nine pieces of any two items (buttons, shells, seeds, pebbles, two different coloured paper cut into circles, etc)
Number of players: Two
Preparation: Get a piece of paper and draw the grid. There are three squares – the outer, middle, and the inner square. Connect them with a line from each corner and from the middle of each side.
How to play: Each player gets a turn to place their items on the grid one-by-one until all 18 pieces are on the board. These pieces can be placed anywhere the lines intersect, but not three in a row until all pieces are on the grid. Once the pieces have been placed, take turns to move the items vertically and horizontally, but not diagonally along the grid. You can only move the pieces to an empty intersection. Once the player gets three in a row, they can remove any one piece from the opponent and continue, letting the opponent start off. The player wins when the opponent has only two pieces left on the board.
Dance steps for Bodu Beru
Bodu Beru literally translated to big drums in Dhivehi – “Bodu” for big and “Beru” for drums. Bodu Beru songs are usually performed by five-seven individuals with drummers and singers who provide backing vocals accompanied by various other instruments and the main singer. However, the most noticeable part of Bodu Beru performances would be the dancers who display distinct steps for different songs; there are no strict rules followed but a basic pattern exists for all types of songs.
The feet move to the beat of the drums. Every beat is a step forward, to the side or the back. These steps can be used to turn, walk or even move around.
The hands accompany the feet – swaying and moving to the beat of the drums. It can be moved to the voice of the singer as well.
The rest of the body can be utilised to accompany the other parts. You can move your hips, lean down, and twist and turn to support your flow.
Dancing to Bodu Beru would be completely letting go of yourself and surrendering to the beat. All Bodu Beru songs start slow, but gradually increase and end with a very fast drumming session where the performers and viewers can dance in any way they want. The beauty of this is that there is no right or wrong way to do it – the main purpose of Bodu Beru is to let go, enjoy and have loads of fun.
Cocoon Maldives invites guests to experience the spirit of Eid Al-Adha through a vibrant celebration inspired by authentic Maldivian culture, traditions, and island hospitality.
Bringing together local heritage and festive island experiences, the celebration will feature a lively lineup of traditional performances and interactive activities designed to immerse guests in the rich cultural identity of the Maldives. Guests will have the opportunity to witness the colourful Bodumas and Maali Parade, inspired by traditional folklore and island festivities, alongside energetic local dance performances presented by the resort’s team members.
The celebration will also include a traditional Coconut Show, the exciting Bodumas Chase performance, live DJ entertainment, and a festive gathering atmosphere complete with refreshing mocktails and island-inspired refreshments.
As part of the experience, guests can enjoy authentic cultural moments while discovering the warmth and joyful spirit of Maldivian celebrations in a unique beachfront setting. The festivities will continue into the second day with interactive activities and friendly games between guests and team members, creating memorable moments of connection and celebration.
“At Cocoon Maldives, we are delighted to celebrate Eid Al-Adha by sharing the beauty of Maldivian traditions and creating meaningful experiences for our guests,” said Ahmed Jihad, Chief Operating Officer of The Cocoon Collection. “Through cultural performances, island festivities, and shared moments of joy, we aim to offer an authentic and memorable celebration in paradise.”
Known as the first design resort in the Maldives, Cocoon Maldives continues to create immersive guest experiences that combine island luxury with local culture, bringing travellers closer to the spirit of the destination.
Joy Island Maldives invites guests to experience the joyful spirit of Eid Al-Adha through a vibrant multi-day celebration inspired by authentic Maldivian culture, island traditions, and community togetherness.
Taking place from 26th to 28th May 2026, the festive programme will immerse guests in the rich heritage of the Maldives through traditional performances, local rituals, cultural games, and lively beachfront celebrations designed for both guests and team members to enjoy together.
The festivities begin on 26th May with a special Eid Night Celebration at the Staff Beach, featuring the traditional Eid Malhi lighting ritual accompanied by live Boduberu performances. Guests will also enjoy a Bodibaiy and BBQ gathering beneath the stars, creating a warm and festive island atmosphere.
On 27th May, the celebrations continue with a traditional Eid morning programme, including Eid Prayer, Eid Breakfast, and Eid Salaam led by the resort’s leadership team. Later in the afternoon, guests will be invited to join the vibrant Eid Maali Parade at the Water Sports Beach, showcasing Bodumas performances, Maali characters, traditional ladies’ dancing, and energetic Boduberu drumming.
The cultural festivities will also feature interactive Maldivian games and activities such as Tug of War, Naashi Vehttu, Faigathalhaa, and the colourful Eid Kula Jehun celebration, encouraging guests to experience the playful and communal spirit of local island traditions.
The celebrations conclude on 28th May with a Special Maldivian Night, offering guests an immersive evening inspired by the flavours, music, and traditions of the Maldives.
“At Joy Island Maldives, we are delighted to celebrate Eid Al-Adha by sharing the warmth of Maldivian hospitality and the beauty of our local traditions with guests from around the world,” said Ahmed Jihad, Chief Operating Officer of The Cocoon Collection. “These celebrations are designed to create meaningful cultural connections and joyful moments that truly reflect the spirit of the Maldives.”
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and playful island experiences, Joy Island Maldives continues to create immersive celebrations that bring together culture, entertainment, and unforgettable memories in paradise.
The spirit, colour, and traditions of a Maldivian island Eid will take centre stage this festive season as Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) prepares to deliver immersive daily coverage of the Eid celebrations from Raa Atoll Meedhoo, bringing one of the country’s most vibrant cultural festivities to audiences around the world.
Beginning on 26 May, Visit Maldives will provide daily coverage from the island across its social media platforms and digital channels, continuing through 30 May. The initiative will showcase the atmosphere, traditions, and community celebrations that define Eid in the Maldives, offering audiences a deeper connection to the cultural identity of the islands beyond their well-known luxury experiences.
Throughout the five-day coverage, Visit Maldives teams will provide daily updates, feature segments, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from the island, capturing traditions that continue to shape community life across the Maldives. The campaign aims to position Maldivian culture and heritage as a central part of the destination experience while highlighting the unique character of local island communities.
Among the key traditions featured is Vedhuma Dhiyun, a longstanding custom where groups of islanders formally seek permission from community elders and leaders to begin Eid festivities. The practice reflects the strong communal values and cultural continuity preserved within island life.
The celebrations will also spotlight Bodu Mas, one of the most recognised Eid traditions in the Maldives. Meaning “big fish” in Dhivehi, the celebration centres around a giant fish structure crafted from woven coconut palm leaves and ceremonially carried through the island in a lively communal gathering rooted in the Maldives’ seafaring heritage.
Another major highlight is Maali Neshun, a traditional performance where participants dress as mythical figures and spirits using handcrafted costumes made from coconut leaves and local materials. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of boduberu drums, the performances transform the island into a visually striking cultural celebration.
The campaign will additionally feature Koadi Kendun, a traditional community event centred around a decorated wooden structure crafted from coconut palm materials. The celebration combines performance, competition, and artistic expression, reflecting both longstanding traditions and evolving forms of island creativity.
Speaking about the initiative, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, noted that showcasing living traditions and community celebrations remains an important part of strengthening destination storytelling.
“The Maldives is shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by the traditions, people, and communities that continue to preserve our cultural identity. Through this campaign, we want global audiences to experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of a Maldivian island Eid in an authentic and meaningful way,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the people of Raa Meedhoo, particularly the communities of Hulhangu Avah and Irumathi Avah, along with the Raa Meedhoo Island Council, for their role in supporting and facilitating the initiative and helping bring the island’s Eid celebrations to wider international audiences.
Following the daily coverage period, Visit Maldives will continue the initiative through long-form storytelling content scheduled for release from next month onwards on its YouTube platform, offering in-depth features, interviews, and cultural narratives from Raa Meedhoo and its celebrations.
Through this campaign, Visit Maldives continues to expand destination storytelling by highlighting the Maldives as a place shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by its living traditions, island communities, and cultural heritage.
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