Long stretches of powder-soft surf melding into limpid green seas whose shallows are coloured in vibrant reefs; small tropical forests and woodlands abounding in gorgeously-plumed birds and exotic flora; some of the world’s most luxurious resorts spanning the length of entire islands – the Maldives really does seem like a archipelago crafted by the gods as their personal summer paradise. However, amid this profusion of natural beauty and modern comfort, the actual culture and history of its people are often overlooked. Boasting thousands of years of civilization influenced by the currents of religion, the people of Maldives have been predominantly Islamic since the 12th century. Islam has been the overriding influence in shaping the nation’s modern identity; it follows naturally that the Festival of Eid signalling the breaking of the Ramadan fast would call forth the best in joy, colour and pageantry of the Maldivian people.
“Eid” is a name given to a celebration in Arabic, and in Islam there is about two or three Eids. Each Eid is celebrated differently according to the culture and customs of the different islands, but the Eid which is celebrated most vibrantly in indubitably the Eid ul-Fitru. Literally translating into “The Festival of Purification”, this falls on the first day of the Islamic calendar month of Shawaal (somewhere between mid-August and September according to the Gregorian calendar). Kuda Id, the first day of Eid, heralds the end of the fasting mandated for Muslims during the preceding month of Ramadan; what follows is a three to seven days long celebration and festivity that is the longest public holiday in the Maldives.
The people of the islands congregate at the mosques at the break of dawn and engage in prayer until night-fall when the sighting of the new moon is announced over national media by a religious leader. Entire extended families then break the fast of Ramadan at this auspicious hour by sitting down to a great feast. Friends and neighbours dressed in new-bought finery hail each other with calls of “Eid Mubarak!” and many gifts are given to the poor and needy.
The customs of the Maldivian Eid harks back to days of the monarchy, when special events held in honour of the holiday were announced by the “Nabushkan” drumbeats and the Sultan of the Islands led an official procession to the Eid prayers, accompanied by a host of military parades and music. This is emulated even in modern times as smartly uniformed brass bands, school cadets and National security forces take to the streets and musical shows featuring the most popular hits and artists draw huge crowds in Male. Traditional games such as the “baibala” see a great revival during this time, as do traditional dances such as “Bodu Beru”. These performances can be viewed at their most authentic in the more rural island communities.
A traveller holidaying in a Maldives island resort during the time of the Fithru Eid should not miss this spirit of heritage and communal joy the celebration engenders. For those planning a trip to this vibrant archipelago, Kurumathi Island Resort is highly recommended as one of the Maldives resorts offering high-quality service and easy accessibility to the best sights and sounds of the country.
