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Mali

1- Festivals & Ceremonies 
- Fasting for 30 days:
The most important occasion in the religious calendar is Ramazan (or Ramadan, known in Dhivehi as Roadhanmas), the ninth month of the Muslim year, a moveable fast on the Gregorian calendar. It is rigidly observed in Maldives with fasting for 30 days from near dawn until sunset each day. All resturants are closed. Not only food is renounced but Muslims are also supposed to abstain from all worldly pleasures. For guests on the resort islands, however, life goes on as usual. Fasting during Ramazan is one of  the principles of Islam, based on the words of the Holy Prophet who said "whoever fasts during Ramazan out of faith seeking no rewards will have all past sins forgiven"

- 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 Ramazan. 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, colourful bands and route marchers.
 
Everybody is greeted with Eid Mubarak" (Eid Greetings!) and cards are given to relatives and friends.

 

3- 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.

4- Circumcision
According to Islamic practice boys are circumcised between the ages of 4 and 8.b 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 center 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.

Every visitor brings presents, an enormous
amount of delicious food is offered and the
celebration usually goes on until the early
hours of the morning. After a week when the boy has recovered the festivities are over. Usually these "circumcision parties" take place during the school holidays and often parents get together to minimize costs.