Maldives is an island located on the Indian Ocean South of Sri Lanka. Famous world over for its turquoise waters, there is little highlight upon Maldivian culture. Maldives is regarded as one of the poorest developing nations. Its main income is derived from tourism and other and fisheries.
The picture perfect Maldivian resorts are famous world over. Maldives luxury resorts have been the highlights in many leisure magazines and channels. Many tourist make their way to the islands annually. One of the recommendations that many have put forward in terms of places to stay was Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa. Located over looking the Indian Ocean , the hotel is a true sea side bliss.
The Maldives is believed to have had its early settlers coming in from Sri Lanka and South India before 500BC. Originally a Buddhist nation after the arrival of Eastern African Sailors and Arabs during the twelfth century the predominantly followed religion became Islam.
Culturally Maldivians are closely connected to the North Indians through the language , as their language shows close connections to the north Indian language. The Maldivian music mostly revolves around popular Hindi tunes. Maldivians popular musical instrument is the “bulbul”, a horizontal accordion. The Bodu Beru or the Big Drum performances are believed to have African origin.
The Maldivian Cusine mainly includes rice as a staple food and fish. Vegetable consumption is quite minimal as there is no farming lands in the country. Alcohol is only permitted at tourist resorts and local toddy is consumed at other instances.
One of the major festivities if the Ramadan period as Islam is the only permitted religion in the country. Even though Islam is practiced the previous influence of Buddhism can be felt in island communities, there is a widespread belief of super naturals. A strong influence of neighboring states can be felt in the island’s arts, crafts , designs and music.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
