Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, has stated that the meaning conveyed by heritage is the robust ways and characteristics in people’s lives. The Minister said this while speaking to PSM News regarding a symbolic event held last night on the streets of Male’ by the ministry to showcase “Hichchah Vadaigathun” (royal procession) to the current generation as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Hichchah Vadaigathun is a part of Maldivian history and heritage practiced by kings, which is now obsolete in the Maldives. Therefore, to demonstrate Hichchah Vadaigathun to the current generation, the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage organized a symbolic event on the streets of Male’ in collaboration with students from Villa International High School, Airports, Customs, MNU, and various other institutions.
Speaking to PSM News about this event, Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim said that the Hichchah Vadaigathun activity was designed as a representation to showcase this practice. He added that this representation was brought by the historical experience expert and Maldivian history veteran, Kathima Ahmed Shakir. “Officially, this activity historically takes place as a royal event involving the kings. This happens on specific days or nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan. It’s a very colorful and majestic event. Various foods are prepared for this, including a ‘Hithige’ (special house). A place called ‘Dhathfiyafaali’ is also prepared. Some other rituals are also included in this. Tonight’s activity is a symbolic event to represent Hichchah Vadaigathun and demonstrate it to the current generation,” said Minister Adam Naseer.
The Minister said that it is necessary to research and examine how these practices are historically connected. This includes studying how these practices originated, the meanings derived from them, and the role they played in Maldivian life. Looking at the past, the Minister said that Hichchah Vadaigathun is marked by three periods. These are the most ancient primitive way of Hichchah Vadaigathun, how it was during Shamsuddin’s era, and how it was during Muhammad Fareed’s era. He also mentioned that Muhammad Ameen also participated in Hichchah Vadaigathun.
Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim said that the meaning conveyed by heritage is the robust ways and characteristics in people’s lives. He added that such historical activities also showcase the Maldivian identity and personality. The Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, stated that the lesson learned from such historical and heritage practices is the importance of living together in unity, being obedient to leaders, respecting each other, and shaping life in a way that defends each other’s freedom within defined boundaries.
