5 Religious and Cultural Festivals in Maldives – Vibrant Celebratory Occasions

The important Ramadan festival occurs on the Islamic calendar's ninth month. During this time, Muslims engage in fasting, reflection, prayer and charity for 30 days. In fact, Ramadan's final third is regarded as being particularly auspicious since it is considered to have been the period when the initial verses of the Koran were made known to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, visitors to the Maldives will have the opportunity to enjoy special festive foods and exotically flavoured juices. Also, at this time, many cultural presentations such can be experienced too.

Another important occasion is Eid-ul Fitr, sometimes referred to as Kuda Eid, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan falling on the first day of the Islamic calendar's 10th month, Shawaal. Eid-ul Fitr is regarded as being one of Islam's cardinal festivals and accordingly, is commemorated with much fervour in the Maldives. At this time, people undertake religious observances, make charitable donations to the poor, visit relatives and friends and enjoy meals together. These celebrations continue for three successive days with people also taking the opportunity to enjoy traditional games. Undoubtedly, Eid-ul Fitr would also be a memorable experience for the visitor to the Maldives.

The significant Eid ul Adha is commemorated on the Eid that falls after the day of Hajj. The importance of this occasion is due to the significance of Hajj, a yearly pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to Mecca, a city considered to be holy. For Muslims, this pilgrimage happens to be a compulsory religious obligation that should be fulfilled at least once in the course of a lifetime. At numerous islands in the Maldives, the occasion of Eid ul Adha is known as Bodu Eid due to the local tradition known as Bodu Mas which involves local legends.

The Maldives' Independence Day falls on the 26th of July. During these celebrations, mainly in the capital Male, you will have the opportunity to observe parades presented by the National Security Services as well as the National Cadet Corps. Additionally, various performances presented by schoolchildren may also be seen. On July 26th in 1965 the Maldives achieved total independence from the colonial power Britain. An accommodation choice to consider where you could be based to experience such events would be OZEN Life Maadhoo, which is amongst the appealingly located luxury Maldives resorts within easy reach of Male.

The well-known National Day is another significant occasion for Maldivians. This celebration marks the day on which a revolt of the islanders compelled the Portuguese colonisers to depart from the Maldives. The Portuguese had arrived in the islands in 1558, killed the ruling sultan and conquered the country. However, in 1573, the local forces led by Muhammad Thakurufaanu regained control of the capital, Male, thereby ending the Portuguese control of the islands. On National Day in the Maldives, celebrations such as military parades, flag-raising ceremonies and political speeches are conducted along with displays of fireworks.