Here are some of the most incredible festivals in the Maldives, and if you’re planning a trip there, you should go during one of the festivals. Participate in each of these festivals by attending them.
1. Ramadan: (April 23 – May 23, 2020)
The Islamic or lunar calendar’s ninth month, Ramadan is when Muslims observe 30 days of fasting, prayer, introspection, and almsgiving because the first verses of the Koran (Quran) are thought to have been revealed to the Prophet.
Muhammad during the last third of Ramadan, this period is much more revered.
In the Maldives, where Muslims make up most of the population, the government offices are only open from 9 am to 1 pm. By 3:00 pm, most private offices are already closed. The holy month has no impact on resorts or hotels, though.
2. Eid-ul Fitr: (May 23 – May 24, 2020)
According to the Islamic calendar, Eid-ul Fitr often referred to as Kuda Eid, is observed after Ramadan on the first day of the month of Shawwal. Islam’s most important festival, Eid-ul-Fitr, is observed throughout the Maldives with the utmost enthusiasm.
People break their fast while watching the new moon, which is another way it is honored.
Families and close friends observe the majority of Maldivian celebrations. At the time of Eid, individuals also give money to charity and those in genuine need.
3. Bodu Eid: (July 31, 2020)
Following the hajj day, Eid is when Eid ul Adha is observed. The hajj gains significance by demonstrating its significance.
A yearly pilgrimage is made to the holy city of Mecca. Islam requires that every Muslim perform at least once in their lives.
Due to the Body Mass tradition that is followed on numerous islands in the Maldives, Eid ul Adha is known as Bodu Eid.
Bodu denotes a strong emphasis on this Eid’s significance. Islanders assemble for the Body Mass celebration as fishermen catch a giant fish constructed from palm leaf weaving. This custom is based on an old myth in which Maali and a gigantic fish (Modu) traveled together (ghosts).
4. Eid-Ul-Adha: (July 31, 2020)
Eid-ul-Adha is observed over the first ten days of the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar. Zul-Hajj vs. Zil-Hajj The event, also known as Eid al-Adha, is honored as the feast of sacrifice. This is a time to honor Ibrahim’s decision to offer his beloved son Ishmael to Allah.
A critical custom connected to this holiday is offering an animal to Allah, which is then utilized to cook the feast and distribute it to the needy.
Eid-ul-Adha is honored in the United States and other countries with morning prayers, gift-exchanging, inviting friends and family to a communal meal, and other customs.
5. Prophet’s Birthday: (October 28 – October 29, 2020)
Mawlid is the name of the Prophet’s birth. And the Prophet Muhammad, who founded the Islamic faith, is honored on his birthday. According to the lunar calendar, it was observed in the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal.
Shia Muslims observe this on the 17th day, while Sunni Muslims do so on the 12th day.
Mawlid has been observed in a carnival-like manner, with a massive street procession, mosque decoration, and recitation of a well-known Sufi poem by scholars and poets.
6. The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam: (November 15 – November 16, 2020)
When the Maldives accepted Islam, it was observed as a celebration of religious harmony on the first day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Thani. The Maldives’ Buddhist king converted to Islam in the 12th century and adopted the title of Sultan.
The Maldives had a large Buddhist population, but after the ruler converted to Islam, the nation also accepted Islam.
Later, this became known as The Day the Maldives Adopted Islam. Lectures, talks, and religious ceremonies on the background of Islamic conversion are part of the celebrating events.
7. Independence Day Of Maldives: (July 26, 2020)
On July 26, the Maldives celebrates its total freedom. National Security Services and National Cadet Corps parades are held during the festivities. There are also schoolchildren’s performances.
Formerly a British colony, the Maldives gained the status of a British Protectorate in 1887, releasing it from outside interference in its internal affairs. However, the British continued to influence international affairs, and they were expected to provide them with security in exchange. The Maldives attained complete independence on July 26, 1965.
Interestingly, there were just 97,743 people living in the Maldives when the then-prime minister, Ibrahim Nasir, signed the deal with the British for independence.
Conclusion
You can see these festivals of Maldives while planning a trip to the Maldives.