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“Call of the Sangu” at Dusit Thani Maldives

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Call of the sanguMaldives.net.mv – The Maldives, scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean, is a holidaymaker’s dream. But beyond its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white beaches, there is more to paradise than meets the eye-a robust culture vibrant in its age-old traditions.

For generations, in every inhabited island, the katheeb (island chief) would call the islanders to gather by blowing the sangu (triton or conch shell). The sound would resonate throughout the island, alerting the people to gather at their special meeting place in anticipation of what is to come.

It is with this notion in mind that Dusit Thani Maldives call our visitors to explore the richness of Maldivian culture. Hear the call of the sangu and let it inspire you to experience Maldivian culture through the various art forms: the visual and the performing, the dying and the thriving, a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary.

 4 Maldives (w)

 Sand Art

Live contemporary sand art performances by the renowned Maldivian artist Afu (Afzal Shaafiu) on visually epic Maldivian tales shed light on the customs and traditions of the Maldives. Afu’s performances are collaborative masterpieces accompanied by a live musician. Afu has exhibited locally in the National Art Gallery of Maldives and internationally in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Japan, and onboard the famed cruise liner ‘The World’.

 Handicraft

Maldivian handicrafts embody Maldivians’ longing for aesthetic beauty for themselves and as gifts for others. They are the hallmark of a culture as diverse as the islands scattered throughout the archipelago. Many of these crafts are skills handed down from generation to generation. However, the majority of the handicrafts are now a part of a disappearing culture and work is being done to revive the tradition. Three types of handicrafts—lacquer work, jewellery made from coconut shells, and ornamental dhoni (boat) sculpted from wood—will be produced before your eyes and available for purchase. 

Call of the sangu

The Maldivians

“The Maldivians” have been creating music in the Maldives over a decade under the recording company Super Muzik Faktory. Consisting of a keyboardist with electronic music sequencers, a female vocalist and guitarist, and boduberu (traditional drumming) performers, “The Maldivians” play traditional and contemporary music with a touch of modern pop, latin, and an electronic fusion of dance elements. “The Maldivians” continue to perform in international music festivals. Their fourth album, Mi Raaje (This is Maldives), is a hit both locally and internationally. 

Shaaz Saeed

Shaaz Saeed is a music director, composer, and instructor. Holding the accomplishment of being the only recipient of the National Award twice in a year, he is the lacuna of professional service in the entertainment industry of the Maldives. He is also the visionary behind “The Maldivians” music band. Apart from his intriguing knack for story-telling through music, he is also the composer of Call of the Sangu (Event Promo Video). 

Interactive Mixed-Media Art

Live interactive painting performance by the Maldivian artist Mariyam Shany Ahmed (Manje) demonstrating an illustrative exploration into the world of fantasy and mythology. Shany participated in the SAARC Artists’ Camp 2013 whereby she exhibited works in the National Art Gallery of the Maldives. 

DJ

A night of introduction to the Maldivian pop culture conducted by none other than Menimal (DJ Manal) himself – a name synonymous with dance music in the Maldives. Menimal electrifies the local entertainment circuits with his unique mixes. One of the highlights of his career was DJing at the Ministry of Sound 2012 in London.

Special Packages

Special Painting Workshop for Adults conducted by Afu (Afzal Shaafiu).

Special Painting Workshop for Kids conducted by Mariyam Shany Ahmed (Manje).

Culture

Sirru Fen Fushi celebrates Eid with focus on heritage and guest experiences

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Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort unfolded this year as a heartfelt celebration of connection, reflection, and Maldivian heritage, bringing guests together through two days of meaningful experiences designed to honour the spirit of the holiday.

From the first morning of Eid, families gathered over generous breakfast spreads and continued to reconnect throughout the day with celebratory dining offerings that wove together shared traditions and island flavours. As evening arrived, the resort invited guests to slow down under the open sky–stargazing by the shoreline, floating sound- healing sessions by the lagoon, and gentle sunrise and sunset yoga created quiet spaces for gratitude and presence.

The festivities continued across the island with immersive activities for all ages. Guests joined friendly football matches and a junior football camp, explored new skills in hands-on cooking classes, centred mind and body through Muay Thai practice, and took part in light-hearted competitions such as kayaking and archery. Beyond the resort, those eager to discover local life ventured on guided island visits, while evenings resonated with Maldivian folklore storytelling and the rhythm of the traditional Boduberu performance, bringing the cultural heartbeat of Eid to life.

Honouring Maldivian Heritage

A highlight of this year’s celebrations was the Eid cultural showcase at Raha Market on the 20th of March. The space was transformed into a traditional Fange, a handcrafted palm-thatched hut, where guests could explore skills and tools that once formed the backbone of daily life across the Maldives.

Artisans demonstrated Hanu lathe, how it is used in the sharpening of the Kathivalhi chopping blade, and the versatile Furoa axe, offering insight into craftsmanship passed down through generations. Guests observed the intricate Roanu Veshun technique of coir rope braiding and the delicate Fangi Vinun craft of weaving coconut fronds into kajan roofing, a once-essential, fully renewable building material.

The experience continued with traditional hand-milling of grains–wheat, finger millet, and rice, recalling a time before modern conveniences. The hut glowed with the warm flicker of Faanoozu oil lamps, a reminder of the simplicity of island life before the arrival of electricity.

No Maldivian celebration is complete without hedhika, and guests enjoyed freshly prepared favourites such as gulha, bajiya, masroshi, and keemiya, each carrying the flavours of home kitchens and long-held family recipes.

A Night to Remember

Children brought joyful energy to the festivities with a special Eid parade, filling the island with colour and excitement. As the evening closed, guests gathered along the shoreline to watch the Eid moon rise over the ocean–a quiet, luminous moment that captured the essence of the celebration: gratitude, unity and the timeless beauty of island life.

This year’s Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort was more than an event, it was a shared experience woven from culture, community, and the simple joy of being together. The resort looks forward to welcoming guests again next year to continue this cherished tradition.

For further information and reservations, please visit https://sirrufenfushi.com/ or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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Culture

Sun Siyam Olhuveli celebrates Eid with beach fiesta and cultural performances

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr on 20th March 2026 with a spirited celebration that brought team members together in a lively showcase of unity, culture, and camaraderie. Set against the backdrop of the resort’s sun-drenched shores, the Eid Beach Fiesta transformed the Water Sports Beach into a lively hub of laughter, friendly competition, and shared moments, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the resort.

The celebration featured a series of engaging activities including classic beach games such as the wheelbarrow race, three-legged race, water bucket challenge, and the playful “Kukudu Koo” catch-the-chicken challenge, as highlighted in the event programme. These light-hearted competitions encouraged collaboration across departments, breaking routines and fostering meaningful connections beyond the workplace.

Eid in the Maldives is a time of togetherness and celebration, marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and gatherings with family and friends. Inspired by these traditions, Sun Siyam Olhuveli embraced the spirit of Eid through shared joy, cultural moments, and meaningful connections.

As part of the evening festivities, key team members took to the stage at the Lagoon to perform traditional Boduberu, offering guests an authentic cultural experience and marking the celebration with rhythm, energy, and island spirit.

“At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Celebrations like Eid Al Fitr are not only about honoring tradition but also about nurturing the connections that make our workplace feel like a community,” said Ahmed Shazeen, Director of Human Resource at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “It is these shared experiences that elevate team spirit and create a positive environment where everyone thrives.”

As part of the Lifestyle Collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to champion a culture where meaningful experiences extend beyond guests to include its dedicated team members. The Eid celebration stands as a reflection of this ethos, where culture, connection, and a touch of playful energy come together seamlessly on island time.

To discover more upcoming events and experiences at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, please visit the resort’s website.

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Culture

Fushifaru Maldives showcases Maldivian culture through Eid celebrations

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Fushifaru Maldives marked Eid al-Fitr with a series of cultural experiences aimed at showcasing Maldivian heritage and community values, as part of its “Moments of Kindness” initiative.

The resort organised activities designed to reconnect guests with traditional island life, placing a focus on cultural authenticity and community engagement. According to the resort, the initiative sought to revive elements of Maldivian traditions and present them in an interactive format for both international visitors and the local community.

A key highlight of the celebrations was a dedicated Maldivian Night, which featured a live demonstration of Malayfaiy, a traditional communal cooking practice. The experience was complemented by shisha offerings and cooking demonstrations, providing guests with insight into historical culinary techniques and social customs in the Maldives.

The evening also included a Maldivian buffet showcasing a range of local dishes, giving guests the opportunity to experience traditional flavours in a curated setting.

Fushifaru Maldives stated that the programme aimed to create meaningful connections through shared cultural experiences, while preserving and promoting local traditions within a resort environment.

The Eid celebrations form part of the resort’s broader efforts to incorporate elements of Maldivian identity into guest experiences, aligning with growing industry emphasis on cultural sustainability and community-oriented tourism.

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