Kuda Eid Festival Maldives

Time of festival : First day of the month of Shawaal in the Islamic Calendar

Significance : Marks the end of Ramadan (the period of fasting)

Highlights:3-day festivity, in which people offer prayers in the mosque and prepare special feast

Kuda Eid, also known as Fithru Eid, is an important religious festivity that marks the end of Ramadan, as in the Islamic month of fasting. Usually, the Kuda Id festival of Maldives falls on the first day in the month of Shawaal, according to the Islamic calendar. It is a three day long festivity, which is observed as a public holiday period. Read to know more about Maldives Kuda Eid festival.

To celebrate the Fithru Eid Festival of Maldives, people visit the mosque early in the morning. They offer prayers and seek the divine blessings. Special feast is prepared at each house and friends and relatives are invited to join. The celebrations take place only after the new moon is sighted. Its announcement is usually done by a canon in Male and via television. 

During this special occasion, offerings are made to the poor and needy. People in Maldives dress in their best clothing for the Eid celebrations. They embrace each other and wish 'Eid Mubarak'. Also, greeting cards are exchanged. In rural islands, traditional dances like Bodu beru are performed, in which people participate enthusiastically. The festivity of Kuda Eid is celebrated with fun and frolic.

Maldives National Day

Time of festival : On the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month of the Muslim Calendar

Significance : Observes the victory of Mohammed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese, who had colonized Maldives

Highlights : Parades and root marches

maldives national day is an important day, as it is observed to celebrate the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in the year 1573. According to the Islamic calendar, the National Day of Maldives falls on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month. Read to know about the story of freedom of Maldives from the colonial rule of Portuguese.

In the year 1558, Portuguese attacked Maldives and killed the then Sultan of this country and established their own rule. It was later in 1573; Muhammad Thakurufaanu arrived here along with his companions and succeeded in ending the fifteen-year colonial rule. Today, as a part of National Day celebrations in Maldives, parades and root marches take place on the streets of Male, its capital city and other islands.

CULTURE OF MALDIVES

The customs and social behavior of the Maldivians have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and North Africans who visited the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes of the central Indian Ocean. The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to the infusion of various other cultural elements.

Though Maldives was culturally influenced by other traditions, Maldivians have built and preserved an exclusive cultural identity.

Accordingly the Maldivians converse using a language of their own; In 1153 AD Maldivians converted to Islam and the religion has transformed and introduced new fundamentals to the Maldivian culture.

Folklore

Maldivians inherited a treasure trunk of ancient mythology and folklore that was passed orally through generations. These myths cover fascinating stories on various aspects of island life.
Since the islands are surrounded by sea, most folktales depict fearful sea demons and spirits that haunt the islanders.

Life in Islands

Traditionally the island communities were very close-knit. This togetherness is still prevailing in the small island societies.

Accordingly men will be mainly engaged in fishery, carpentry and toddy tapping. Women were mainly engaged in household duties and raising families.

Certain rituals and practices were followed in the islands on special occasions like weddings. Some of these rituals survive to this day.

The advent of tourism in the 1970's accelerated the modernisation process of the country. Today an increasing number of women hold crucial positions within the public and private sector. As a result of economic growth, dramatic lifestyle changes were introduced.

Music and Dance

The Maldives boasts of a rich culture of music and dance. Some of the cultural music and dances can trace their roots to distant continents. Resort islands organize cultural performances to entertain their guests regularly during which you can observe islanders performing traditional music and dance items.

One of the most famous Maldivian cultural displays which involve singing and dancing is called the "Bodu Beru". The Bodu Beru performers, numbering around 20 will be wearing traditional garb of sarongs and white sleeved shirts. Bodu Beru performance is guaranteed to make you sway along with the drumbeats.

Other traditional music and dance items include; Dhandi Jehun, Langiri, Thaara and Gaa Odi Lava. Most of these items involve rhythmic music and dances using various cultural props. 

There are some cultural routines exclusively performed by Maldivian women. Bandiyaa jehun, Maafathi Neshun and Bolimalaafath Neshun. Some of these acts were designed to perform in the royal courts.

Indian and Western music have also greatly influenced the musicians of the country. Frequently resorts host performances of local bands to enliven their guests.

Craftsmanship

Maldivians are known for being avid craftsmen. The intricate stone carvings found in the Friday Mosque in Male' is a living example of Maldivian craftsmanship. 

The mastery and inventiveness of Maldivians can be seen in lacquer works, mat weaving, coir rope making and calligraphy. Traditional dresses and ornaments profess the artistry and creativeness of Maldivian artisans. Such exceptional works can be acquired by visitors as souvenirs.

A visit to the Maldives not only guarantees the best vacation of your lifetime, but it also gives you exposure to a great cultural experience.

Seaplane Photo Flights

Seaplanes are used commonly in the Maldives for transferring visitors from the airport to their chosen holiday destination. A seaplane flight gives you a bird’s-eye view of the islands and natural atoll formations. This panoramic sight will engrave vivid memories that will remain with you forever.

Observe perfectly aligned islands and sand banks surrounded by shallow and deep waters. The white sandy beaches and coconut palm tree assembled skyline will greet you as you fly over the archipelago.

One of the most popular activities in the Maldives is a seaplane photo flight. Visitors love to embark on this journey to capture stunning images of the flawless islands from above. Seaplane operators in the Maldives organise scheduled seaplane photo flights. Moreover there are resorts that organise seaplane photo flights jointly with the seaplane operators by chartering the seaplanes.

The islands and lagoons stretch out across the vast blue coloured ocean harmoniously. Take stunning photos of this magical sight as you enjoy a secure ride in the seaplanes. Comfortable seating and large windows of the planes give you the opportunity to position your cameras perfectly to shoot the best pictures.

The seaplane journey which began from the sea concludes when the plane again lands on the water. By this time you will have experienced one of the most remarkable journeys of your life. Take with you as memoirs the breathtaking pictures you took during this magical flight.

Mulee Agee Palace

Location : In front of the Friday Mosque

Year of construction : 1906

Constructed by : Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen

ISignificance :It is the former residence of Sultan that serves as the office of president today

Located in front of the Friday mosque, Maldives Mulee Aage palace was built in the year 1906. The credit for its construction goes to the Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. It was before World War I that the Sultan built this palace for his son. However, when the Sultan was overthrown in May 1936, Muleeaage palace of Maldives was officially declared as the government's property. 

In 1953, when Maldives became a republic, Mulee Aage palace became the President's Official Residence. It was later in the year 1986 that it was renamed the Presidential Palace. However, in the present times, this colonial style building serves as the office of president, where official meetings are held. This spectacular building with its beautiful white carvings definitely falls into the category of must visit tourist attraction destinations.

Male Friday Mosque

The Malé Friday Mosque is oriented west. Its prayer carpet is angled towards the mosque's northwest corner, so worshippers can face Mecca while they pray. Devotees enter the mosque from the Islamic Centre, climbing several marble steps leading to the mosque balcony. The prayer hall below has a burgundy-coloured carpet, patterned with images resembling hot-water bottles which demarcate spaces for the believers offering prayers. The carpet can accommodate 1,372 people if each devotee occupies one space. The mosque has a reported capacity of 10,700 for Friday prayers.

It has intricate carvings, with inscriptions in Quranic script. The mosque, in a walled enclosure, is made of interlocking coral blocks with its hypostyle roof supported by cut-coral columns. With three entrances, the mosque has two prayer halls surrounded by antechambers on three sides. Its vaulted, decorated ceiling is indented in steps. Local master carpenters, known as maavadikaleyge, fashioned the mosque's woodwork, roof and interior, and its wall panels and ceilings have many culturally-significant examples of traditional Maldivian woodcarving and lacquerwork. The mihrab, with a mimbar (pulpit) at one end, is a large chamber. The main building, used for daily prayers, is divided into three sections: the mihtab (used by the imam to lead the prayers), the medhu miskiy (the mosque's central area) and the fahu miskiy (the rear of the mosque). A long, carved 13th-century panel memorializes the introduction of Islam to Maldives.

The mosque's adjoining large, round blue-and-white minaret (built in 1675) resembles a wedding cake, with a wide base similar to a ship's funnel. Built of coral stones, it is braced with metal strips.The minaret is surrounded by a graveyard with carved coral tombstones distinguishing males, females, sultans and their families. Women's tombstones have rounded tops; men's have pointed tops, and inscriptions for royalty are gilt. For family members, small mausoleums with intricately-decorated stone walls were built.

This mosque and the other Maldives coral mosques were added to the cultural UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 2008 for meeting criteria two (use of sea cultures for creating unique architecture), three (a historic cultural tradition with no parallel elsewhere in the world), four (the tongue-in-groove technique shows a highly developed building level for the period) and six (the buildings are associated with both religious and social practices of cultural significance). According to the UNESCO appraisal, "The architecture, construction and accompanying artistry of the mosque and its other structures represent the creative excellence and achievement of the Maldivian people"

Sovenirs of Maldives

Maldivian artisans have inherited craftsmanship techniques that have been perfected over generations. The creations of these craftsmen have intrigued visitors to the country. Hence, authentic Maldivian souvenirs are very popular with visitors due to their uniqueness and pure beauty.

The following are some popular Maldivian Souvenirs.

Lacquer Works

The intricate designs made by the skilled lacquer artists of the Maldives are regarded as pure art. Creative designs are engraved using lathes on shaped woods. Thulhadhoo island of Baa atoll is home to most famous lacquer talents of the country. Lacquer works can be found in the forms of vases, jewellery boxes, and kitchen utensils.

Dhoni Crafts

These are miniatures of traditional Maldivian boats called Dhoni. These precise miniatures are made by skilful hands that have mastered the art. Finished replicas of Dhoni’s of various sizes are very popular with tourists who want to acquire a traditional Maldivian souvenir.

Wood Carvings

There were no metals or plastics in the Maldives. Hence, wood carving originated from the need to make tools and utensils for daily needs. Today wood carving has evolved into a magnificent art form. Replica carvings depicting the Maldivian culture are popular with tourists.

Mat Weaving

Creative weavers have made mats with stunning designs that were presented as gifts by Maldivian kings to other kingdoms. Local materials are used to make mats that were used for sleeping and seating purposes. Today mat weaving has become a special skill which attracts visitors from other countries to the intricate designs.

Coir ropes

During medieval times sailors from various continents visited the Maldives to purchase coir ropes. Coir ropes played an important role in the construction of huts, building and operating vessels. Coir ropes are made from fibres derived from coconut husks. These fibres are hand woven into coir ropes.