In Maafushi, their religion is Islam. Therefore there is a completely different culture in terms of prayer, mosque and special holidays for them. These include the Eid celebrations below.

Day 1: Fenkulhi

"Fenkulhi" is a traditional Maldivian ritual involving playful water activities, typically seen during Eid celebrations. It generally consists of people throwing water and colour at each other, contributing to a lively and festive atmosphere. This activity is often part of larger events that include parades, music and traditional games.

Day 2: Koadi

This is a legendary ritual in which a wooden stick ("Koadi") decorated with palm leaves is tied to the top of a palm tree. The men try to chop down the Koadi, while the women try to protect it with their bodies by forming a ring around the palm where the Koadi is. The women put something oil-like on the palm, so it is difficult to get hold of the Koadi if the men get through their "wall". In the evening/night there are men trying to get it down and the next day the other men (who didn't get it down) have to find out who managed to get it down. The women don't guard the Koadi all night as everyone leaves after a while. The man who managed to get the Koadi down from the palm tree gets something dirty on him, shaved his hair, as revenge from the other men for chopping it down. Followed by a ceremonial bath in the sea by the women. He is also given new clothes and perfume, other gifts, as thanks for saving the Koadi for the women.

Bodu Beru is their traditional music that the locals play in the video during the ceremony/parade.

Day 3: Nala Koadi + Fenkulhi

This day they celebrate; Maali Parade and Fenkulhi (again - just like day 1). At the Maali Parade, they paint themselves with charcoal or clay to look like some evil spirits or monsters. In addition, they also wear costumes and do another parade through the street/on the island.

Next year it will be on the following dates: on 30 March 2025 they have a small EID celebration, but on 6 June 2025 there is the bigger EID celebration with Fenkulhi (where they throw the colours)

It's a unique and special experience that you can't get anywhere else. It varies from island to island how and how many days they celebrate it. Unfortunately, we haven't experienced all the days of the celebration, but we definitely will - and we can't wait.