Xavier Romero Frías, a Spanish writer and scholar who carried out extensive research on Maldivian culture, defines Fanditha as “local sorcery or magic. In his book, ‘The Maldive Islanders’, he stated that in contemporary Dhivehi, ‘faṇḍitha’ is homonymous with esoteric knowledge, sorcery, or magic.
In Maldives, Fanditha refers to a wide range of ancient methods, magic, and astrological applications. People most commonly use the fanditha to bring them good luck, fulfil their desires, and achieve success and wealth. In ancient times, fishermen would seek the help of fanditha performers (fandithaveriya) to get a decent fish catch.
I’ve seen chief fishermen from fishing vessels visit the homes of prominent fanditha practitioners to seek help with their fishing efforts. “Rekibe, do something for the Dhoni.” Every day, we see a large ray near Dhoani (a traditional fishing vessel). We are unable to make a successful catch. A fisherman asked for help when he went to the home of a fandithaveriya.
Bring an immature palm leaf from this house’s backyard. The fanditha master directed the fishermen. My friend and I were sitting on a joali, a traditional chair, watching the procedure.
Rekibe got a pen and began writing on the coconut palm leaf after the fishermen brought it to him. On the palm leaf, he wrote a lengthy sequence of Arabic words. Then he folded the palm leaf in half, making a bracelet shape.
The fisherman took a leaf from the palm tree and left. I witnessed this scene on my island. In addition to asking for help, they meet the Rekibe every day to talk about fishing and other island issues.
Our island is famous for its yellowfin tuna catch, particularly during the southwest monsoon. Our fishermen also use a number of other fishing techniques to catch different kinds of fish, such as tuna, wahoo, reef fish, and kattelhi fish (Promethichthys prometheus).
People use different types of fanditha to ensure a successful fish catch or to meet other fishing-related needs. Some fanditha masters go to the beach and make fanditha for the fishing boats.
Fanditha practitioners and fanditha remain important aspects of Maldivian mysticism, tradition, and culture. It combines the fascinating Maldivian traditions and folklore. The origins of fanditha remain unknown in the Maldives. In Maldivian culture and belief, though, it is deeply ingrained.
