Maldives Festivals


The spread of Islam in Maldives  around 1153 M, the Maldivians were devoted with the honourable religious spirit and brotherhood of Islam. This formed a great community spirit.The great bond of being a Muslim created a sense of peace and calmness by which they lived a simple caring life. 




The community spirit showed much more during special occasions like Eid which comes in the month of Zul-Hijjah (H) and when the fasting month, Ramazan is over.They begin preparing for the Eid by cleaning, whitewashing and decorating their houses. They cook very big meals and invite others to join in the festivities. People would visit one another and they would distribute their delicacies to relatives, neighbours and friends.We could expect two or three Thashibari brought to our home on such special occasions. If we fall ill, the neighbours might come and help with our housework. 

In the early days, (and very often even today) pregnant women deliver their babies at home. This is an occasion when the neighbours come in and do all the household work, cook and take care of the mother and baby. There were and still are many instances like these when traits of Islamic brotherhood, community support and co-operation show the social kinship formed amongst Maldivians.

Main Festivals of Maldives

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 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.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.