unwind® | Maldivian Nakaiy

Photo: Meade RCX400 telescope at Ever Soneva So Celestial Observatory

Maldivians had been in harmony with nature ever since Maldives bore its first residents to the present generation. In the past Maldivian were very much in-tune with nature and embed this into travel, culture and lifestyle. Sailors and navigators traveled based on constellation of stars which was passed down from our forefathers who adopted ‘Nakaiy’ system. This was originally a system used in astrology by the neighboring Indians and later adapted as part of the calendar system used in the Maldives.

‘Nakaiy’ meaning constellation of stars was referred to the twenty-eight lunar divisions of stars, each Nakaiy is named after a particular star. Maldives, being unable to see the 28th star implemented the calendar on 27 Nakaiys. This system is still being used to determine dry and the wet seasons in Maldives which helps to organize events such as fishing, agriculture, leisure activities such as kite flying, surfing and snorkeling; clearly showing the correlation between Maldivians with nature.

Map out the stars or simply star gaze at ‘Ever Soneva So Celestial’ observatory set within the organic garden at Soneva Fushi and discover the divinely heavens above from paradise.