Joanna James
Since the early times, games have advanced the most in terms of technology in the modern world. However, what this article speaks of isn't your typical video game, but rather physical and board games that allow kids to be active and give adults some relaxation after a tiring day at work. One country that has managed to keep its traditional games alive is certainly the Maldives, if you are interested in visiting the island, you'll find that learning a bit about these games will also give you some insight into the local culture. Let's take a look at a few.
This is a game kids are sure to find interesting! It is quite similar to a game of hide-and-seek and is played indoors, mostly in the bedroom with a minimum of 4 to 5 players, with more participants Gan'du Filla would be even more fun with lots of laughter. The game begins with the group selecting a guesser who will have to leave the play area. Meanwhile, the remaining players will select one person to hide under the covers while the others will hide in other spots in the room like under the bed or behind the door. The guesser then enters the room singing "Gan’du heley heley", when the player under the sheets hears the song, they have to make some movement without a sound in order to keep their identity hidden. The guesser will then have to identify who is under the sheet. If they guess correctly, the person under the covers will be the next guesser.
This is a board game that will get your brain working with strategies to win or prevent your opponent from scoring. Thin Hama is a game that dates back to the early times in the Maldives where a square play area was carved on a wooden base (in modern times though, the play area can be marked on sandy ground or even cardboard or paper). When the game begins, both sides will have 18 pieces (in early times, seashells were used as pieces). These pieces are placed at different intersections on the board. Players should aim to get their pieces 3 in a row while preventing the opponent from getting 3 in a row themselves. If a player does manage to get 3 in a row, they can take away one of the opponent's pieces. Movement on the board can only go horizontally or vertically. if you'd like to try this game with your family on your holiday, the best Maldives resorts for families may have such options
Although football is the national sport of the Maldives, there was a time when Bashi held the esteemed position. Nowadays, this exciting and competitive traditional Maldivian outdoor game is exclusively played by women on the islands, bearing a striking resemblance to tennis. A game of Bashi involves teams of 7 or 11 players and consists of two innings, giving both teams the opportunity to serve and receive. During a match, a player from the serving team hits the ball over their head and the net while facing away. The opposing team's objective is to try and catch this swiftly moving ball. Each successful catch results in the elimination of the serving team's players until the entire team is out. Every pitcher is granted 12 attempts, and if they manage to remain uncaught, they earn an additional four chances, this time facing their opponents. You can perhaps try this sport at a local resort like Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi with your family.
Baibalaa, a physically demanding outdoor game in the Maldives, draws inspiration from the ancient Indian sport of Kabaddi. Played by two teams in a circular area, it tests participants' strength, speed, and agility. One team stands inside the circle while the other waits outside, and players from the outer team enter to tag opponents within. The goal is to capture and confine them inside the circle. Baibalaa's spontaneity, minimal equipment requirements, and adaptability make it accessible for play on beaches and fields. The Baibalaa Association of Maldives governs the sport, organizing an annual tournament with substantial prize money for the winning team.
Akuru Thaasbe, a card game conceived in the 1970s by Abdulla Sadiq, shares similarities with Scrabble in that its cards feature printed syllables. These syllables are derived from Thaana, the native script used in the Maldives. Despite its relatively recent origin, the game beautifully bridges modernity with tradition by incorporating the local language. What makes Akuru Thaasbe intriguing is its absence of a rule book, making it somewhat challenging to explain the gameplay. The deck comprises 291 cards, including four red cards with specific values, and a deep grasp of the Dhivehi language is essential for playing. To delve into the intricacies of Akuru Thaasbe, one must possess a strong aptitude for languages and be sociable enough to seek guidance from a local expert.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
