| |
 Maldives
Events |
|
EVENTS
AND FESTIVALS
Eid FESTIVAL
The Maldives has been an Islamic country
since 1153 and the Islamic festival of Eid has always been an important
event for the people. Even in the days of the monarchy, special customs
were followed in the Eid. It includes special drumbeats from 'Nabuskhan',
a place where special events are announced with drums, and the official
procession of the Sultan to the Eid prayer. This procession was accompanied
by music and military displays. In the islands special games are played.
People wear new clothes and are in a festive mood.
Through the times the customs of celebrating
the Eid have changed. Now you can see western and modern music shows held
in Male' and other islands. In addition brass bands, cadets of schools
and National security service holds parades out in the streets. The traditional
games are also now revived including baibala. There are two Eids for Muslims,
one after the fasting days of Ramazan and the other after the Hajj pilgrimage
to Mecca. The various cultural events associated with these two Eids vary
and are also different from island to island. If a visitor wish to see
traditional events held during these Eid festivals, a local island would
be the ideal one to visit.
CIRCUMCISION
|Back to top|
The circumcision of small boys
is celebrated. Usually the boys are circumcised in the annual school holidays.
The houses are decorated and music is played. Many people visit such houses
mainly to enjoy a game of carom or participate in the local bodu beru
and listen to a local band perform. It is quite often that you will find
some form of powder or spray ruining your clothes.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
|Back to top|
The Maldives became a British Protectorate
in 1887. The British made an agreement in which they pledged not to interfere
with the internal affairs of the Maldives, while on foreign affairs the
British were to be consulted. In return the British assured of security
and protection from any colonial intimidation. On 26th July 1965, full
independence was granted to the Maldives. Maldives celebrates its Independence
Day on 26th of July. Special celebrations include parades by the National
Security Services and the school children.
MARTYRS'DAY
|Back to top|
A Portuguese fleet attacked
Male' in 1558. The ruling Sultan Ali 6th fought against the invaders with
little support from his fellow countrymen. He was killed in the fighting.
He is hailed as a national hero and declared a martyr. He was killed on
1 Shauban 965 A.H. (Islamic calendar). Every year 1 Shauban is marked
Martyr's day in the memory of Sultan Ali 6th.
NATIONAL DAY
|Back to top|
After the Portuguese invaded
Maldives and killed the reigning Sultan in 1558, the Maldives was under
Portuguese colonial rule until Muhmmad Thakurufaanu liberated Maldives
in 1573. He and his companions arrived on Male' on 1 Rabeeul Awwal 981
A.H. (Islamic calendar) and ended the colonial rule of fifteen years.
Now 1 Rabeeul Awwal is marked the National Day. Parades and root marches
are held in the streets of Male' and other islands on this day.
HURAVEE
DAY|Back to top|
In 1752, in the third year
of the reign of Sultan Mukarram Muhammad Imadudheen 3, a South Indian
expedition captured Male', took the King with them and destroyed the palace.
This occurred on 13th Safar 1166 A.H. (Islamic Calendar). Some of the
invaders remained, controlling the Maldives. Within four months, Maldives
regained its independence under the leadership of Muleege Hassan Maniku,
who was later to become a Sultan named Hassan Izzudheen. This national
hero, a descendant of a family from Huraa, Male' Atoll, liberated Maldives
on 3rd Jumadhul Akhir 1166. Hence, this day is marked as Huravee Day.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S
BIRTHDAY|Back to top|
The 12th of Rabeeul Awwal
in Arabic calendar ismarked the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday. Traditionally,
it was a very important day in which Malood, Arabic verses praising the
Prophet, were sung. Special foods including aweli were made. Even today,
some households offer special prayers and prepare special food for the
occasion. It's a public holiday.
REPUBLICDAY |Back
to top|
After hundreds of years as a monarchy,
the Maldives became a Republic on 1 January 1953. However, this Republic
was short lived. A monarchy was restored within the same year after turbulent
politics. A Republic was formed again on 11 November 1968. The Republic
Day falls on 11 November. Parades on streets and special events are held
on this day.
VICTORY DAY |Back
to top|
A terrorist group attacked Male'
on 3 November 1988 and tried to overthrow the government in an attempted
coup. However, they fled the country after their attempts failed. Victory
Day is marked on 3 November.
Calendar for 2004 (Public Holidays) |Back
to top|
- 01 January - New Year Day
- 31 January - Hajj Day
- 01 February - Alha Eid Day
- 02 February - On the occassion of Alha
Eid Day
- 03 February - On the occassion of Alha
Eid Day
- 04 February - On the occassion of Alha
Eid Day
- 21 February - Islamic New Year
- 21 April - National Day
- 02 May - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
- 21 May - the Day Maldives Embraced Islam
- 26 July - Independence Day27
July - On the Occassion Independence Day
- 15 October - First day of Ramazan
- 03 November - Victory Day
- 11 November - Republic Day
- 14 November - Fith'r Eid Day
- 15 November - On the Occassion Fith'r
Eid Day
- 16 November - On the Occassion Fith'r
Eid Day
A lunar eclipse will be visible to Maldives on 4th May 2004 from 2348
hrs to 0312 hrs.The full eclipse will be seen from 0052 hrs to 0208
hrs.
 MORE
AFFORDABLE HOTELS IN MALDIVES
|
