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HOLIDAYS AND
FESTIVALS
Kuda Eid
(Small Eid)
When the new moon is
sighted, which is usually announced by a canon in Malé and via
television, Kuda Eid, Fithru Eid, is celebrated, marking the end
of Ramadan.
The day starts with a
prayer and is followed by a special lunch to which all the
relatives and friends are invited. Offerings, money or food are
given to charity and people buy new clothes to wear for the Eid
parade in the afternoon when the main streets are filled with a
festive atmosphere, colorful bands and route marchers.
Everybody is greeted
with Eid Mubarak” (Eid Greetings!) and cards are given to
relatives and friends.
Bodu Eid (Bodu Eid)
Alhaa Eid is celebrated
after the completion of the annual Hajj prayer, during which
many people go on pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca, a must
for every Muslim once in his/her lifetime if he/she can afford
it. Masses of people go to the airport to see their relatives
off or to welcome them back from the journey.
Special prayers,
feasts and Eid games are held during Bodu Eid and on some
islands people are splashed with water, and during this holiday
many people visit other islands to enjoy the festivities.
Birth
Traditionally a baby is
named on the seventh day after its birth and an Arabic name is
given. A special prayer is held. Family and close friends are
invited to a party or feast and food is given to the poor. On many islands babies
are usually shaven for this occasion.
Circumcision
According to Islamic
practice boys are circumcised between the ages of 4 and 8.
On the islands
it is usually done by the hakeem, the local doctor, in Malé by
circumcisers or in hospital. It's impossible to miss a house,
where boys have been circumcised, as it is spectacularly
decorated and the centre of entertainment, such as dances,
boduberu (traditional drum music), live bands and lots of well
wishers. The boy or boys lie in the middle of the room on a bed
with a tent-like cloth suspended by string from the ceiling over
their middle. They
are surrounded by relatives 24 hours a day, who massage their
feet and make sure they are comfortable. |
