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RAMADAN
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, a month during
which Muslims mark 30 days of fasting. The working hours altered for
the month, the government offices being open from 9.00a.m. to 1.30p.m.
and the private sector also closing for the day at 3.00 in the
afternoon.
EID - UL AL' H' AA
Eid-ul Al’h’aa falls on the 10th day on Zul Hijja in the Islamic
Calendar. While those who can afford are at pilgrimage at the holy
Ka’aba in Mecca, for those who stay behind it is a time for
celebrations and feasting. This is the longest holiday during the year
and people make preparations well in advance to visit their friends
and relatives in other islands. The holiday period is between five to
seven days. All over the Maldives the period is one of celebrations.
Traditional sports, music and dance go hand in hand with modern sports
and music. The young, old, male and female take part in the
celebrations
PROPHET'S BIRTHDAY
As with all Muslims, Maldivians celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday. The
prophet’s Birthday is 12th day of Rabee-ul-Awwal in the Islamic
Calendar. Families invite one another to their homes to share the
special dishes prepared for the day.
KUDA EID
Kuda Eid is the first day of the month of Shawaal in the Islamic
Calendar. This follows the end of Ramadan and is a period of feasting.
Early in the morning men and women gather at the mosque to perform
prayer. At each house a feast in prepared and family, friends and
neighbours are invited. This is also a period of fortunate than
themselves Kuda Eid is celebrated for a period to three days during
which public holiday period is observed.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
The Independence day is celebrated on 26th July. The highlight of the
day is the official celebrations held in the evening at the Republic
Square. The event begins with a march past by the National Security
Service and the National Cadet Corps. This is followed by drills,
traditional dances and modern drills performed by hundreds of school
children in colourful attire. These events are interceded by the
passing of floats and processions depicting traditional and modern
themes.
REPUBLIC DAY
On 11th November 1968 Maldives became a Republic of the second time.
The day is celebrated every year with parades and marches.
NATIONAL DAY
The National Day celebrates the great victory of Mohamed Thakurufaanu
over the Portuguese in 1573. The National Day is celebrate on the 1st
of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month in the Islamic Calendar. |
Information provided by Maldives Tourism Promotion Board,
Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Maldives.
