Holidays and Festivals In Maldives

The Maldives is an Islamic culture-based country, and most of its holidays and festivals are so. One such major celebration is Independence Day, which is commemorated with full pride on every island in mid-year. It is celebrated by colorful parades and festivities to mark the glorious occasion. Another significant celebration is Ramadan, which is commemorated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Throughout this period, the nation modifies its opening times to suit the fasting and unique religious rituals of Ramadan.

If you're a vacationing to the Maldives, don't forget to go through these most popular 9 festivals of Maldives which are famous for grand festivities. Live amidst the colorfulness and participate in these popular festivals in Maldives. Scroll down to discover more!

Ramadan:

Ramadan is a very important religious holiday in the Maldives, an Islamic-tradition-based nation. This time is used for Muslims within the Maldives to fast during the hours between dawn and dusk. To account for this ritual, the office working hours as well as that of the government employees are reduced. The festival of Ramadan comes usually during August or September and corresponds to the ninth month on the Islamic calendar.

The National Day

The Maldivian National Day is celebrated on the first of Rabee-ul Awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic calendar. This event is usually celebrated in February or March and is characterized by colorful parades and marches across the country.

Independence Day

Each year on the 26th of July, the Maldives is filled with colorful parades, mesmerizing performances, delectable food, and festive celebrations. It is a day that is of immense significance and is close to the hearts of the Maldivians.

Republic Day

Though it doesn't carry as much significance as Independence Day, Republic Day is nonetheless celebrated in full spirit all over the country. The nation's capital of Male is where all the action takes place, with colorful parades marching in its streets and parks. All other towns and islands also partake in celebrations, hosting amazing shows of their own

Prophet's Birthday

To experience a distinctive cultural festival, traveling to Male during the Prophet's Birthday is greatly advised. This festival is observed on the 12th of Rabee-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Throughout this period, mosques in the capital city and nationwide are filled with faithfuls, while offices and shops are closing early to commemorate the day.

Eid Festival

The Eid Festival is a colorful and festive celebration that celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan in the Maldives. Celebrated in September, the festival provides a great chance to experience the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of the Maldivian people. The festival lasts for about three days and is replete with grand feasts and culinary delights that are prepared with utmost care and enthusiasm across the country. It is a day of togetherness, thanks, and merriment for the people of Maldives.

Bodu Eid

Bodu Eid or Eid ul Adha is a special Islamic festival celebrated upon completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj pilgrimage is a special religious obligation of Muslims and consists of travel to the sacred city of Mecca. Bodu Eid is very significant as it marks the end of this holy pilgrimage. It is a day when Muslims gather, pray, and perform acts of charity and sacrifice.

Kuda Eid

Kuda Eid, or Fithru Eid, is an important religious festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month. In the Maldives, the Kuda Id festival is usually celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawaal, as per the Islamic calendar. The three-day festival is celebrated as a public holiday period, during which individuals gather to celebrate and engage in various festive activities.