By The massive bonfire roared before a watery crescent moon against a midnight blue sky. After a night of preparing Eid Bondi and Boakiba (sweet and savory traditional cakes) and making sure it is well-hidden from those that would “steal” it, the dawn broke with Eid prayers where everyone you know appears to have gathered. Breakfast while visiting the homes of the extended friends and family and the men complete what they have been working on since the previous afternoon.
Younger coconut leaves of lighter green shades are twisted by younger hands to make the numerous strips that make the “skirt” of the Kodi while the more expert hands handle weaving the top “hat” and adding ornamental flowers and palm-woven birds and Dhoni (traditional boats) to the entire ensemble. Soon enough, rays of the evening golden hour hitting the kodi mingle with the sounds of Boduberu (traditional drums) as the men of the island dance and parade around with the Kodi. Women follow suit with playful sprays of water as they attempt to “cut” the structure.
Come twilight, the Kodi finds itself tied to a palm tree at a public location, surrounded by an “army” of “guards” whose job it is to ensure that no one is able to cut down the hanging Kodi. The true games then ensue, with one team’s objective being to “protect” the Kodo while the other team tries their best to cut it down. Stealth attacks, attempts at climbing the palm or shooting down the koadi with projectiles begin while negotiating and bargaining also take place in the spirit of fun and games.
Once the victor cuts down the Kodi, its is then taken with all pomp and circumstance to be submerged in the island’s lagoon- bidding a final farewell to the handiwork of that year.
Such is the spirit of Maldivian Eid games, deeply embedded with naturans strongly imbued with community and tradition.