The Ministry of Heritage has requested that special activities be conducted in islands to celebrate Eid al-Adha, similar to the previous two years.
In a circular sent to councils yesterday, the Heritage Ministry stated that Eid is celebrated following the Hajj pilgrimage to maintain the spirit and tradition of celebrating "Bodu Eid" within Islamic Maldivian culture and to strengthen Islamic unity.
As activities are scheduled to mark Eid this year as well, the circular included a list of activities the Ministry suggests could be carried out to celebrate the occasion. The Ministry noted it is their great wish for all islands in the Maldives to conduct such activities.
These activities include:
- Conducting special events such as "Vedhuma Dhiun" (a traditional gift-bearing ceremony) on Eid night.
- Performing Eid prayers in large congregations and holding "Eid Sai" (a community breakfast) after the prayer. Councils must coordinate prayer arrangements with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, while the Eid breakfast should be organized in collaboration with Women’s Development Committees.
- Exchanging Eid gifts before noon on Eid day and carrying out activities such as exchanging "Thashibari" (lunch boxes) between households.
- Holding traditional games unique to the island on Eid afternoon. These should include activities where children, the elderly, and women can participate.
- Holding stage shows at night in a manner that does not violate general social standards.
According to the calendar, Eid al-Adha will fall on May 26th and 27th.
