Story of “Maththihutey Beyya”

Mathithihutta is a captivating sandbank nestled in the west of Nilandhoo Lagoon. It is a cherished tradition among Maldivians to bathe in lagoons on Fridays. Mathithihutta is renowned for its pristine beauty and transparent waters, attracting visitors from neighboring islands.

During a time when transportation relied on sailboats, a group of islanders anchored their sailboats to this sandbank at night following a reef fishing trip. The sailboat, sometimes called "Bahtheli," utilizes paddles or locally called "Reetha," which are log sticks used for rowing in lagoons.

Among the crew members was a discerning old man who perceived an impending danger. He wisely instructed all crew members to disembark from the Bahtheli and then board one by one, holding his hand. All but one member complied. With a resolute demeanor, the old man took off his turban, locally referred to as "Foteya" and murmured something before delivering a swift stroke to the non-compliant man, who promptly vanished from sight. Urging the crew not to look back, the old man guided them to leave promptly, and they departed with the Bahtheli.

Following this unsettling incident, restrictions were placed on women and children from venturing into the jungle due to reported sounds and noises. The locals named the disappeared man "Mathihuttey Beyya," and attributed the unsettling noises to him, believed to be a manifestation of the pain caused by the black magic-inflicted whipping.