Joanna James
To learn about a culture, one must be fortunate enough to take part in the festivals of the community in order to be able to experience the colours, enthusiasm, joy and togetherness.
It is no secret that there are many exciting activities in Maldives. Things to do include the water sports, island hopping and if you are fortunate you are able to witness some Maldivian festivals also. Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives is known to celebrate Eid ul Adha which is an important day that derives from the connection of the Muslims duty to go to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Ramadan is undoubtedly one of the most popular Islamic celebrations known all around the world. Being an Islamic country on 9th-month of the Islamic calendar the county observes fasting, prayers and charity for 30 days in unison.
Eid-ul Fithr also known as the Kuda Eid is the celebration of locating the new moon which falls on the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The significant practice during this festival is to make donations to the poor. This festival is mostly celebrated with friends and family in order to be able to share the love and happiness among one another.
Prophet's birthday is the celebration of the founder of the Islamic faith, Prophet Muhammed. The festival takes place in the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar. The festival is a joyous celebration where the streets come alive and the mosques are decorated.
This celebration takes place on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar which is known as Zul-Hijja or Zul-Hajj. The festival takes place as a celebration of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael to Allah. One of the main aspects of this festival is the animal sacrifices that are made to Allah. They are then prepared and shared with the poor.
The day the Maldives embraced Islam is celebrated throughout the islands on the 1st day of the 4th month which is known as the month of Rabi al-Thani. This day is celebrated as a day of religious unity across the country through a variety of different events such as parades and religious ceremonies.
Quamee Dhuvas is the National day of the Maldives. This day is celebrated in order to celebrate the day when the local community revolted against the Portuguese and forced the latter out of the country. In 1558, the Portuguese arrived in the islands, murdered the sultan at the time and took over the country under their rule.
The independence day is celebrated on the 26th of July. This marks the day that the country gained full independence from the British in the year 1965. Even though, the country was a British Protectorate where the country was free from the British interfering with the internal affairs the foreign affairs were still controlled by the British and in return, they would provide security to the Maldives.
The republic Day falls on the 11th of November and it is celebrated in order to commemorate the republican form of government that replaced the Sultanate rule in the year 1968. Once in every 5 years on this day a new president is appointed in the Maldives.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
