In this section, we will provide you
with information on the Maldives festivals. We will also tell you about
the various religious festivals of Maldives. Since Maldives is the
homeland of Sunni Muslims and Islam is the main religion followed here,
so it's very much obvious that Maldivians celebrates almost all the
festivities of Muslims, apart from the ones like national day,
Independence Day and republic day that are specific to their country.
The celebration of Maldives festivities reflects a blend of traditions
and modernity. For example the traditional music or dance performance
that makes use of wooden instruments may be followed by urban pop music
or modern Jazz.
Eid-Ul-Adha
Eid Ul Adha festival of Maldives is one of the major religious festivals
of Maldivians. This festivity is known by different names like the
Festival of Sacrifice, Eid-e Qorban, Qurbani Eid and many more. It is
celebrated on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah, according to the Muslim
calendar.
Kuda Eid
Kuda Eid, also known as Fithru Eid, is an important religious festivity
that marks the end of Ramadan, as in the Islamic month of fasting.
Usually, the Kuda Id festival of Maldives falls on the first day in the
month of Shawaal, according to the Islamic calendar. It is a three day
long festivity, which is observed as a public holiday period.
Independence Day
Maldives Independence Day has a lot of significance, as it is on this
day that this country got freedom from the clutches of Britishers. It
falls on the 26th in the month of July. In the year 1887, Maldives
became a British Protectorate. During that time, the Britishers agreed
that they wont interfere in the internal affairs of Maldives.
National Day
Maldives national day is an important day, as it is observed to
celebrate the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in
the year 1573. According to the Islamic calendar, the National Day of
Maldives falls on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month.
Prophet Mohammad's Birthday
Prophet Mohammad's Birthday in Maldives is celebrated with great pomp
and show. It falls on the 12th day in the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal,
according to the Islamic Calendar. It has a lot of religious
significance for the Muslims, as the festivity is observed to celebrate
the birthday of holy prophet Mohammad.
Republic Day
Maldives republic day has a lot of significance, as it is on this day
that Maldives became a republic, after so many years as a monarchy.
Initially, republic was formed in the year 1953, but it could not last
for a long time and the monarchy was restored in the same year.
Ramadan
Ramadan, also known as 'Rorda Mas', is one of the most important
festivals of Maldivians. It has a lot of religious reverence. According
to the Muslim calendar, Maldives Ramadan festival falls in the ninth
month. It is basically the Islamic month of fasting, in which the
Muslims observe 30 days of fasting.
Victory Day
Maldives victory day is of supreme importance, as it is on this day that
a terrorist group from Sri Lanka attacked the Maldives government. They
attempted to overthrow the Maldivian Government, but did not succeed.
When they failed in their mission, they fled from this country.
