President Inaugurates ‘Vaahaka Vau’ Story Forest

The ‘Vaahaka Vau’ Story Forest, depicting the historic journey and struggle of Utheemu Ghaazee Bandaarain, has been successfully completed and officially inaugurated in Ha. Utheemu.

The project was inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a special ceremony held in Utheemu to commemorate National Day. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed, RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem, senior officials of the Utheemu Island Council, and representatives from various government institutions.

The project forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the historical heritage of Utheemu Ghaazee Bandaarain, who led the struggle to liberate the Maldives from Portuguese colonial rule.

The Vaahaka Vau Story Forest has been developed near the Kanduvalu Mosque in Utheemu. Set within a natural forest adjacent to the historic site, the area has been designed to bring the history of Bodu Thakurufaanu’s struggle to life through a series of illustrated information boards depicting key events from his fight for national liberation.

Visitors can walk along designated pathways through the forest while learning about significant events in chronological order. A total of 14 historical storyboards have been installed throughout the site, providing visitors with an engaging way to explore and understand this important chapter of Maldivian history.

The project to develop ‘Vaahaka Vau’ in Utheemu was awarded to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) on 18 August 2025, at a total project value of MVR 2,067,930.00.