Thaara Jehun

Thaara is a popular form of folk music performed in Maldives. The credit for its introduction in the Maldives goes to the Gulf Arabs, who visited this beautiful island in the mid 17th century.

Thaara is the Dhivehi word for tambourine. It is performed by about 22 people seated in  two parallel rows facing each other. It is a type of music which has a semi religious touch, and is distinct to men only. In Thaara, there is both singing and dancing. The early songs which accompanied Thaara were in Arabic. The songs start with a very slow tempo and gradually increases to reach a crescendo.

The performers wear white sarongs and white shirts with a green scarf tied around their necks.

Thaara was introduced to The Maldives by the Gulf Arabs who came here in the mid 17th century. A type of music similar to Thaara is still practised in the Gulf and in south Arabia.

Thaara was played in the fulfilment of vows, and special times was accompanied by a pseudo act called "Wajid" which is now banned by the government, but the singing and dancing still continue as an entertainment.