Festivals
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.
Besides important religious holidays celebrated following
the lunar calendar, traditional celebrations provide a festive
atmosphere. Independence Day brings days of festive activities
with school and government holidays. Almost every holiday
brings out the green and red national flags criss-crossed
over main streets and displayed from private homes. Festivals
usually have two types of parades: the usual marching of bands
and the parade of children smartly groomed for viewing by
all neighbours and sundry spectators.
Whether commemorating a marriage or circumcision, the drummers,
dancers, and singers keep pace with the rhythm of traditional
music. Most celebrations offer an excuse for a feast. Gula
(fried fish balls with tuna and coconut), kuli boakiba (spicy
fish cakes), foni boakiba (coconut milk and rice pudding),
and kiru Sarbat (sweet milk drink) are popular dishes. The
special after-dinner treat is made from bileh leaves, foah
nuts, and cloves.
A festival may also include a tour group of young Maldivian
women and musicians, who provide a special entertainment,
Bandiya Jehun: the beating of metallic water pots to the
tune of an accompanying song. The island poet may be called
upon to recite Raivaru, a traditional form of poetry sung
in a slow, even tune which expresses various sentiments.
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.
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