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Ramadhan
Ramadhan is the ninth month
in the Moslem calendar, a month during which moslems mark 30
days of fasting. The working hours are altered for the month,
the government offices being opened from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM 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 of 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.
Prophets Birthday
As with all moslems,
Maldivians celebrate the Prophet's birthday. The Prophet's
birthday is the 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 Shawwal in the Islamic Calendar. This follows the
end of Ramadhan and it is a period of feasting. Early in the
morning men and women gather at the mosque to perform prayer. At
each house feasting is prepared and family, friends and
neighbors are invited. This is also a period of charity, when
families offer Zakath in those less fortunate themselves. Kuda
Eid is celebrated for the period of three days during which
public holiday period is observed.
Independence Day
Independence Day is
celebrated on the 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 colorful 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 Republic for 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 celebrated on the 1st of Rabee-ul
Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
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