MMPRC Hosts Culturally Immersive Session at Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023
Tuesday 4th of July 2023
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) offered participants a culturally immersive experience as part of the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023. Titled ‘Sail the Seas of Time: Thousands of Years of Maldivian History’, the insightful workshop was held at Crossroads Maldives and aimed to explore various aspects of the Maldives. During the session, participants were carried back in time to the ancestral age, immersing them in a landscape of colours, rhythms and riveting stories from our forefathers’ era.
The session unfolded with a troupe of traditional dancers who performed traditional rhythms and dances to the participants near the beach. The attendees were then invited to don the symbolic Maldivian attire, through which they learned the differences between old and new Dhivehi Libaas as well as Feyli used for special occasions. Following this, partakers were introduced to the art of Maldivian embroidery weaving called ‘Kasabu Viyun’.
The cultural breakout session reached its height with the main act where a live recount of one of the most popular folklore stories in the Maldives was staged for audiences. The tale of the star-crossed lovers, Dhon Hiyala and Alifulhu has been retold orally for generations and was realistically depicted with the help of talented actors who performed the act with great passion and emotion.
Before concluding the workshop, participants were also given the chance to partake in a traditional style of wish-making by writing a short note on palm leaves and leaving them on the shoreline. This time-honored practice is believed to bring good luck and prosperity and proved to be a wonderful opportunity for the attendees to connect with nature and the ancient traditions of this destination.
After the concluding event, the visitors were offered local short eats (hedhika) and jasmine-infused Maldivian tea. This awe-inspiring workshop not only served as a valuable learning experience but also allowed participants to truly immerse in the dynamic culture, forging deeper connections and appreciation of the sprawling cultural tapestry of the Maldives’ history.
