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Ramadan | Eid-ul Al'h'aa |
Prophet's Birthday | Kuda Eid
Independence Day | Republic Day |
National Day
 Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, a
month during which Muslims mark 30 days of fasting. The working hours
altered for the month, the government offices being open from 9.00a.m. to
1.30p.m. and the private sector also closing for the day at 3.00 in the
afternoon.
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Eid-ul
Al'h'aa
Eid-ul Al'h'aa falls on the 10th day on 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
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Prophet's
Birthday
As with all Muslims, Maldivians celebrate the Prophet's
Birthday. The prophet's Birthday is 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.
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Kuda
Eid
Kuda Eid is the first day of the month of Shawaal in the
Islamic Calendar. This follows the end of Ramadan and is a period of
feasting. Early in the morning men and women gather at the mosque to perform
prayer. At each house a feast in prepared and family, friends and neighbours
are invited. This is also a period of fortunate than themselves Kuda Eid is
celebrated for a period to three days during which public holiday period is
observed.
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Independence
Day
The Independence day is celebrated on 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 colourful attire. These events are interceded by the passing of
floats and processions depicting traditional and modern themes.
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Republic
Day
On 11th November 1968 Maldives became a Republic of the
second time. The day is celebrated every year with parades and marches.
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National
Day
The National Day celebrates the great victory
of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in 1573. The National Day is
celebrate on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month in the Islamic
Calendar. TOP^
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