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Sheet > Festivals |
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Festivals of Maldives
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The Republic of Maldives
is a nation which invokes in all its citizens a strong feeling
of patriotism. The green and red National flags seen decorating
the streets during almost all festivals - be it religious
or national, are a symbol of the strong patriotic fervor the
country evokes in its citizens. Be it national occasions or
religious festivals, it is celebrated with the same enthusiasm,
with natives from all walks of life rejoicing together. A
sense of unity emanates from these enthusiastic celebrations. |
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| Religious
Festivals of Maldives |
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Religious festivals are celebrated
in accordance with the lunar calendar, which means that sometimes
festivals are announced a day before or after the given date and
sometimes declared even without warning.
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Ramadan:
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The 9th month of the Muslim calendar is the month
of Ramadan - A festival in which 30 days of fasting is followed.
Being a predominantly Muslim nation, the Government offices in Maldives
open only between 9.00 am and 1.30 pm during this month. Even the
private offices close by 3.00 pm.
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Kuda Eid:
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The end of Ramadan is marked by the
festival of Kuda Eid which is celebrated with a big feast. Kuda
Eid also commemorates the beginning of the month of Shawaal in the
Islamic Calendar. Kuda Eid is celebrated with the sighting of the
new moon and announced by cannon in Malé and via television.
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Early in the morning, everyone gathers
at the mosque to offer prayers to the Almighty and a big feast follows.
This is also a period of charity with families offering Zakath to
those less fortunate than them. Kuda Eid is celebrated for three
consecutive days which are public holidays.
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| Prophet's
Birthday: |
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The Prophet's birthday, another important
religious festival in the Maldives (another religious festival of
great importance) is celebrated on the 12th day of the Rabee-ul-Awwal
month of the Islamic calendar. Celebrated by all in Maldives, it
is a day of great festivity with people visiting each other and
relishing the various dishes prepared at each house.
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Eid-ul-Al'h'aa:
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Eid-ul-Al'h'aa falls on the 10th day of Zul-Hijja
of the Islamic calendar. This festival is of such great importance
that many prefer to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca during this
period. Those who are unable to go, make sure that the time is of
celebration and festivity.
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A festival which brings with it the
longest public holiday (from five to seven days) also brings with
it an atmosphere of revelry and feasting. People plan ahead and
visit their friends and relatives staying in different islands.
Sports including traditional sports, music and dance all form a
part of the festivities with people from all walks of life participating
to make it a great event.
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National Festivals of Maldives
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In Maldives, the National holidays
are celebrated with as much fervor as religious festivals if not
more. There is an atmosphere of national patriotism and gaiety during
the national holidays. The National holidays include the National
Day, Independence Day and the Republic day.
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| National
Day of Maldives: |
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Celebrated in honour of Mohammed
Thakurufannu and observed on the first month of Rabee-ul-Awwal,
the National Day commemorates the victory of Mohammed Thakurufannu
over the Portuguese in 1573.
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Independence
Day of Maldives:
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After being a British Protectorate
for about 78 years, Maldives attained independence on 26th July
1965. The Independence Day, observed on the 26th of July every year
thereafter, is celebrated with an official event taking place at
the Republic Square. The celebrations start in the evening with
a march past by the National Security Service and the National Cadet
Corps. The march past is followed by performances of drills and
traditional dances by school children.
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| Republic
Day of Maldives: |
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Maldives first became a republic
on 1st January 1953, after about 100 years of monarchy. But this
republic was transitory as the monarchy was reinstated within the
same year. However, on 11th November 1968, a republic was formed
once more. Thereafter, the Republic Day is celebrated on the 11th
of November, year after year.
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The Republic Day of Maldives is celebrated
with parades and marches of two types - one of the marching bands
and one with smartly dressed children parading the streets with
neighbors and others as spectators. Special events are also held
to mark this day.
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