|
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 celebration. |
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. |
