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.
