Thara Folk Music of Maldives
Bodu Beru Music
Bodu beru is one of the most popular forms of folk music and dance that is found in the inhabited islands of Maldives. People of all age groups participate enthusiastically in Bodu Beru folk music. The musical instruments that are used consist of three or four drums made from hollowed coconut wood and a variety of thumping instruments. Read to know more about the Boduberu folk music of Maldives.
In Bodu Beru, there is one lead singer and a band of 10-15 people, who sing in chorus. As the song continues, the rhythm picks up and people come out of the troupe and dance to the tunes of the music. Spectators join to clap and dance. Maldives folk dance of Bodu beru is a tribal dance that usually takes place during the festive occasions and is enjoyed by all.
Bandiyaa Jehun Dance
Bandiyaa Jehun is a popular dance form that takes place in the Maldives Island. Though, western pop and Indian music are becoming increasingly popular, but this traditional Bandiyaa Jehun folk dance of Maldives has its own importance. It is like the Indian pot dance, in which the women carrying metal water pots sing and dance to the tune of music. While singing, they tap the pots with their finger rings. Read on to know more about the Maldives Bandiyaa Jehun folk dance.
There is no specific dress for the performers, but definitely they all dress up in uniformity. Usually, women wear a long skirt and a blouse called 'Dhigu hedhun'. In the present times, many new things have been incorporated like the use of a number of instruments like drum and harmonica. Even as far the music & apparels are concerned, lots of modifications have been made to keep up with the changing trends.
Bolimalaafath Neshun Folk Dance
Bolimalaafath Neshun is a famous folk dance of Maldives. This dance performance is carried out by women. It depicts the old tradition, when women used to offer presents to the Sultan on special festive occasions like the Eid festival. Usually, the gifts basket consists of the shells that are kept aside in a small beautifully decorated vase called "Kurandi Malaafath". Read on to know more about the Maldives Bolimalaafath Neshun folk dance.
In the Bolimalaafath Neshun folk dance of Maldives, a group of about 24 persons sing and dance to the beats of music. While dancing, they form small groups of two, three, four or even six and step towards the Sultan to present the "Kurandi". The songs act as an expression of their sentiments.
Owing to the change in govt style from monarchy to republic in the year 1968, the old custom of offering gifts ceases to exist. But, the dance performance is still prevalent. Infact, today also, it is one of the most important dances carried out by Maldivian women.
Dhandi Jehun Folk Dance
Dhandi Jehun is a popular dance form of the beautiful islands of Maldives. The style in which the Maldives Dhandi Jehun folk dance is performed varies from island to island. A group of 30 men participate in this dance. It is believed that Dhandi Jehun dance has come from Malik (Minicoy Islands). Read on to know more about the Dhandi Jehun folk dance Of Maldives.
The dance consists of a lead singer, who usually sings the "Thaara" songs or "Unbaa" songs. Other group members sing in chorus and dance to the beat of the song. In the Dhandi Jehun folk dance show, each performer holds three sticks called Dhandi. While dancing, he hits his Dhandi with that of the performer facing him. There is no specific dress for the dancers. However, they all dress up in uniformity.
Fathigandu Jehun Music
Fathigandu Jehun is a popular form of folk music, in which only men can participate. It is basically a stage music show that usually takes place in the evening time. In the Fathigandu Jehun folk music of Maldives, each performer holds two bamboo sticks in his hands and beats them, so as to bring out the sound of music. These bamboo sticks are about 6 inches long. While hitting the bamboo sticks against each other, the dancers sway their bodies and dance in rhythm with the music.
The group consists of a drummer, who beats on a tin and initiates the song. The songs that are sung in Maldives Fathigandu Jehun folk music are usually epics. The songs are meaningful and infact narrate different stories. One of the most popular Fathigandu Jehun songs is "Burunee Raivaru" that explains the story of a sultan who had gone in search of a wife.
Gaa Odi Lava Folk Music
Gaa Odi Lava is a popular folk music and dance performance that is carried out by people as a means to express their satisfaction on having completed a hard manual work. The origin of Gaa Odi Lava folk music of Maldives can be traced back during the reign of Sultan Mohamed Imadudeen I (1620-1648AD). Read on to know more about the Maldives Gaa Odi Lava folk music.
In order to defend Male, the capital city of Maldives, the Sultan decided to build a break water around the island. To accomplish the goal, he divided his workforce into various "odi" or vessels to carry the coral stones from the various reefs. On completion of the task, each worker ceremonially visited the Sultan. To express their happiness, these workmen sang songs and danced to the tune of music and this is how the concept of Gaa (stones) Odi (vessels) was born.
Kadhaa Maali Folk Dance
Kadhaa Maali is a form of traditional music and dance that can be found only in Kulhudhuffushi in the south Thiladhunmathi atoll. From where did this Kadhaa Maali folk dance come from is unknown. To initiate the Kadhaa Maali folk dance of Maldives, a number of drums are beaten. It is accompanied by the beating of an instrument made from copper rod or copper plate named 'Kadhaa'. Read on to know more about Maldives Kadhaamaali folk dance.
While playing music, about 30 men dressed in different costumes dance to the tunes of music. Their garments exhibit various ghostly figures and evil spirits. It is these ghosts or the evil spirits that are addressed as "Maali". When there is any kind of terrible sickness spreading in the island, people do a late night walk to ward off the evil spirits. The walk continues for three nights and it is on the third night that this dance is performed. This dance show also takes place to celebrate the festivities.
Langiri Folk Music
Langiri is a folk performance of Maldives, the origin of which can be traced back in the early 20th century during the rule of Sultan Shamsuddin III. It is basically the Thaara performance that was modified by people to suit their taste that gave rise to the Langiri performance of today. Maldives Langiri folk dance and music usually takes place as an evening stage show to entertain the people. Read to know more about the Langiri folk music of Maldives.
In the Langiri folk music, the dancers hold two beautifully decorated sticks in their hands. These sticks are about 2 feet long and are known as "Langiri Dhandi". The performers sit in two parallel rows and lift their bodies with their waist up. Simultaneously, they keep clapping the Langiri Dhandi in different styles. In this folk dance, each participant hits the six Langiri Dhandi belonging to his three neighbors seated in the front row. Usually, the Langiri show consists of six to seven songs.
Thaara Folk Music
Thaara is a popular form of folk music performed in Maldives. The credit for its introduction in the Maldives goes to the Gulf Arabs, who visited this beautiful island in the mid 17th century. In the Thara folk music of Maldives, there are about 22 performers, who are made to seat in two parallel rows facing each other. It is only the men who can participate in Thaara. This folk performance involves both singing and dancing.
Traditionally, Thaara folk music was performed in the fulfillment of vows. Earlier, the songs that accompanied the Thara were in Arabian language. Thaara songs start at a slow tempo and then gradually pick up to reach a crescendo. The performing team wears white sarongs and white shirts with a green scarf wrapped around their necks. Maldives Thaara folk music is very soothing and has a semi religious touch.