English

During my travels through the islands of Haa Alif Atoll, I heard the fascinating tale of how a storm caused the desertification of Keylakunu, through the accounts of different people.

Two things come to mind when you hear the name Haa Alif Utheemu. One is the historical story of the noble battle of Utheemu Thakurufaanu against the Portuguese and the palace associated with him. The other is the famous Kanamadhu Metaagandu or sea-salt amond candy.

The country has around twelve hundred islands, out of which only 186 are inhabited. Despite being born and raised here, the names of these islands remain relatively obscure to most of the locals. Hence, it's not uncommon for people to question whether a certain island belongs to the Maldives upon hearing its name.

Curiosity naturally arises regarding the use of the name "Bottle" to describe Naivaadhoo island in Thiladhunmathi Dhekunuburi (Haa Dhaalu Atoll). How did this name come to be associated with the island, and what is its origin? These questions undoubtedly pique the interest of many. Mohammed Ali, 65, a resident of Naivaadhoo, provides a detailed account of how the island earned its infamous nickname. According to him, this tale has been passed down through generations over the course of centuries.

Finey Island, located in the southern part of Thiladhunmathi, is known for its kind and welcoming culture. It's a place where people live together harmoniously. In short, that's how I (Hassan Sajin / Zuvaan Masvreiya) would describe Finey.

You might have come across the term "Gaakolhu" (which translates to "stone") in reference to Thiladhunmathi Dhekunu Buri or Haa Dhaalu Kumundhoo. When such a name is associated with an island or its inhabitants, you might wonder about its origin. However, finding an answer to this query might have eluded you.

The Maldives has a long history of performances involving drums and tambourines.

Thiladhunmathi Dhekunuburi or Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi, stands out for its rich blend of nature, culture, and traditions. The island's inhabitants are known for their warm hospitality, strong work ethic, and a delightful sense of humor.

Throughout the ages, the Maldivian people have embraced a profoundly simple way of life, adept at crafting solutions to the challenges that life threw their way. In those bygone days, every tool and object that sustained their daily existence was meticulously fashioned by their own skilled hands.

The women of Nellaidhoo, located in the southern part of Thiladhunmathi, are renowned for their hardworking nature. These remarkable women prepare and sell a variety of food items to generate income, including traditional sweets, savory chips, and local crunchy samosas known as Bajiya. These products from Nellaidhoo have gained fame for their exceptional taste

At the heart of Nehalidhoo's prosperity, nestled in the southern part of Thiladhunmathi, lies the resilience and dedication of its people. Throughout my journey from the northern to the southern reaches of the Maldives, where I, Hassan Sajin (Zuvaan Masveriya), have had the privilege to visit numerous islands, Nehalidhoo emerged as a shining example of a flourishing way of life, owing to a multitude of factors.

Haalufolhi, a delicacy known for its thin, round, and mildly sweet taste, is a source of pride for the southern city of Kulhudhuffushi. This 100% locally crafted treat has been enjoyed since ancient times and continues to be a beloved sweet snack across the entire country. For those eager to try making it at home, here's a Haalufolhi recipe that has garnered interest from visitors to Kulhudhuffushi.

As soon as the morning dawned, the sailer would go to the crew's house to wake them up. “Oh, get up to go fishing,” he would repeat until he got a response from each crew member. In this way, he would walk to each crew members house and wake up all the crew. It is the responsibility of the sailor to wake the crew to go fishing.

Maldives, an island nation comprising nearly two hundred inhabited islands, shares a common language and culture among its people. Despite this cultural unity, each island boasts unique features, including historical sites and distinctive culinary traditions. Among these culinary treasures, Hihchcha Bathaa stands out, particularly in the northern Thiladhunmathi region of Haa Alif Dhihdhoo.

The majority of the journey lies ahead, and there's no doubt that the wholehearted support of the island council and all stakeholders will be essential for the successful completion of this remarkable endeavor. Once this monumental task is accomplished, Saajin, also known as Zuvaan Masveriya, will have meticulously documented and shared the captivating narratives of all our islands, with a special focus on the state of our fisheries across the archipelago.

Betel Nut Leaves hold a profound connection to the customs and heritage of Nolhivaram. They are deeply intertwined with the island's culture and traditions. Bileh Dhafi, also known as Bileh Gas, is presented as a warm welcome to visitors and plays a pivotal role in celebrating the island's achievements during special and official ceremonies. It stands as an essential tradition of the island, embodying its cultural identity.

When you head to the beach with your family or friends for a picnic, one of the most common activities is enjoying a barbecue. Over time, there have been various innovations in the way barbecues are prepared. In this feature, we're excited to introduce our readers to the "Decent Tray BBQ," a local delight crafted in Shaviyani Atoll's Kanditheemu.

The legend of Ali Mohammed, known as Alikaleyfaanu, stands as a testament to an exceptional leader whose impact is remembered by the people of Shaviyani Kanditheemu even after many centuries.

The unique tradition of haircuts in Bilehfahi  caught my attention. Initially, I assumed that every island in the Maldives would now have its own barber shops. However, Shaviyani Atoll Bilehfahi defied my expectations, lacking an employee-run hairdressing service. It dawned on me that my assumption was not entirely accurate. Despite the absence of a conventional barbershop, a fascinating tradition in Bilehfahi offers barber services to those in need.