– Exploring the Maldivian culture, history and arts
Used as an alternative of a lounge, a ‘Holhu Ashi’ (Pronounced Ho-lhu Ash-i) is a large seating area made of coconut timber, commonly found in local islands as a venue for relaxation and island gatherings. At our Holhu-ashi we explore the Maldives, bringing you a new story with every issue.
Before the modern age arrived, Maldivians practised their own unique way to address weather. Using a complex calendar matching the sun or moon and based on the rising and setting of specific stars. It comprises of 13 o4 14 day intervals referred to as “nakaiy”. This is an assumed weather pattern categorised into the two monsoons present in the Maldivian weather system.
The two seasons are referred to as Iruvai (Northeast Monsoon) and Hulhangu (Southwest Monsoon). Each Nakaiy is predicated for its benefits, for instance the sixth Nakaiy starting from 17th June to the 30th is perfect for agricultural means. Following the Hulhangu monsoon is the Iruvai season, which begins from 10th December to the 22nd of December. Wind blows from the north east with sunshine. This period is considered a good season for fishing, our customary resource, which heavily relies on the Nakaiy forecast.
It is not a surprise to say that this highly complex alternative to read weather is developed by early Maldivians. Why not give it a try to add new words to your vocabulary! Learn these nakaiy’s!
Nakaiy – Pronunciation; Na-Kaiy
Iruvai (Northeast Monsoon) – Pronunciation; Iru-Vaiy
Furahalha – Pronunciation; Fura-Ha-Lha
Fasbadhuruva – Pronunciation; Fas-Badhu-Roova
Furabadhuruva – Pronunciation; Fura-Badhu-Roova
Dhinasha - Pronunciation; The-Na-Sha
Hulhangu (Southwest Monsoon) – Pronunciation; Hu-Lha’n-Gu
