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Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Moslem
calendar, a month during which moslems mark 30 days of fasting.
The working hours are altered for the month, the government
offices being opened from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and the private
sector also closing for the day at 3:00 in the afternoon. |
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Eid-ul Al`h`aa falls on the 10th day of 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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As with all moslems, Maldivians celebrate the
Prophet's birthday. The Prophet's birthday is the 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 is the first day of the month of
Shawwal in the Islamic Calendar. This follows the end of
Ramadhan and it is a period of feasting. Early in the morning
men and women gather at the mosque to perform prayer. At each
house feasting is prepared and family, friends and neighbors are
invited. This is also a period of charity, when families offer
Zakath in those less fortunate themselves. Kuda Eid is
celebrated for the period of three days during which public
holiday period is observed. |
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Independence Day is celebrated on the 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
colorful attire. These events are interceded by the passing of
floats and processions depicting traditional and modern themes. |
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On 11th November 1968 Maldives became Republic
for the second time. The day is celebrated every year with
parades and marches. |
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The National Day celebrates the great victory
of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in 1573. The
National Day is celebrated on the 1st of Rabee-ul Awwal, the
third month in the Islamic calendar. |
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