Thulhaadhoo and Meedhoo celebrate 400 years of friendship with a day of unity and joy

On Thursday afternoon, the harbor of B. Thulhaadhoo transformed into a vibrant stage of national pride and community spirit. Sand covered the port, flags fluttered in red, white, and green, and the island buzzed with anticipation. By 14:30 hrs, residents lined the harbor in national dress, or at least in national colors, eager to welcome their guests from R. Meedhoo.

The celebration, held in honor of International Human Solidarity Day, marked a revival of a 400-year-old relationship between the two islands. Meedhoo responded warmly to the invitation, sending around 315 people by boat from their island of 2,500 residents.

As the boats approached, a voice rang out: “Let’s welcome the people of Meedhoo from Thulhaadhoo. Everyone, wave your hands!” The crowd erupted in cheers. By 14:45 hrs, the guests began to disembark, greeted with wreaths in national colors and a harbor adorned with banners and flags.

Despite the afternoon heat, the welcome was refreshing, literally. Guests were served araa, a symbolic juice representing the bond between the two islands, along with watermelon and small biscuits. The MC’s playful commentary added to the joy, joking that the biscuits were “yours whether you put them in your pocket or carry them in your bag.”

Thulhaadhoo, home to about 3,000 people, came together in full force to host the celebration. The unity was palpable, and the day felt like a festive eid for the island.

The festivities continued into the evening with a football match and a banquet scheduled for 20:15 hrs. Adding to the significance of the event was the presence of Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim.

“I’ve never seen such a colorful celebration,” said one woman from Thulhaadhoo. “I’m very happy and very satisfied.” She urged those still in Meedhoo to hurry and join the evening’s events, saying, “The people of Thulhaadhoo are with you, young and old.”

The relationship between the two islands is said to span four centuries. An elderly man explained that the bond was passed down safely through generations. He recalled how the people of Thulhaadhoo once gifted lacquered pillars for a mosque in Meedhoo, without asking for payment.

“They came here with a gift,” he said. “They didn’t charge a price. That’s how it started.”

During traditional feasts like Maaloodhu, the islands continue to honor each other. If the feast is held in Meedhoo, Thulhaadhoo is invited first, and vice versa.

Today, that relationship remains strong. In an age where such connections are rare, the celebration stood as a living example of unity, brotherhood, and ancestral trust. It was a day for the younger generation to witness and learn from, a reminder that solidarity is not just a word, but a legacy worth preserving.