President launches Vaahaka Vau, Utheemu’s Kandhuvalu Miskiy grounds transformed into a heritage park

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has inaugurated the “Vaahaka Vau”, a heritage park depicting key scenes from Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu’s historic battle for national independence.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at the ceremony held this afternoon as part of their visit to HA. Utheemu for the official National Day commemorations.

Developed within the grounds of the Kandhuvalu Miskiy in HA. Utheemu, the park is designed as a walk-through historical experience narrating Boduthakurufaanu’s fight for freedom. As visitors move along the tree-lined pathways of the Story Forest, the displays present a chronological journey through the major events of the national struggle.

The historical sequence begins with the occupation of Male' in 1558 and continues through the construction of Kalhuohfummi in HA. Baarah, culminating in the victory achieved in 1573. The park has been designed to blend art, natural scenery and historical interpretation into a single immersive experience.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy to preserve and promote the legacy of Ghaazee Bandaarain while creating income opportunities through cultural heritage. Under the “Preservation of the Legacy of Ghaazee Bandaarain and Heritage-Based Income Generation Project”, the Government aims to establish Utheemu as a major centre for cultural tourism and Maldivian national history.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Cabinet Ministers, long-serving state officials, foreign diplomats and members of the public.

Following the inauguration, the President and First Lady, accompanied by the dignitaries, toured the Vaahaka Vau and experienced the historical journey presented throughout the site.