Maldivians
have great national pride. In all festival planning a
feeling of family is sensed as women, men, and children
share in the preparation of food, decoration, and
entertainment programmes. Most celebrations will find a
blending of tradition and modern entertainment. Folk dances
and music using wooden instruments may be followed by modern
jazz or pop music. People from all professions work side by
side in a spirit of co-operation for these celebrations.
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
