When did the National Day in Maldives start?
About National Day in Maldives Holiday
Today is a very special day here in Maldives: the country's National Day! Every year, the people of Maldives come together to commemorate the independence and sovereignty of the country. On National Day, we take a moment to appreciate all of its achievements and all of our fellow countrymen who have come together to build a better nation.
The vibe on National Day is one of festivity and celebration. Streets and squares are alive with music and ignorant. The celebrations contain traditional Maldivian music, folk-dances, and folk performances. Businesses close for the public holiday and the festivities, and family members come together to enjoy the patriotic spirit of the day.
It is truly a special day to be part of the Maldives. This is a day when all of us can come together and celebrate the hard work that we have put in to make our nation a progressive and prosperous one. We take immense pride in our shared history, culture and of course, our independence. Long live Maldives!
National Day in Maldives: An Explore History and Celebrations
The Maldives, an iconic South Asian coastal country consisting of more than 1,200 tropical islands, celebrates National Day on July 26th annually with profound pride and joy. Maldivians take to the streets with a colourful array of activities including live music performances, street carnivals, and processions, honouring and celebrating the nation’s independence and long-standing heritage. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of National Day in the Maldives including its history, cultural significance, traditions, geographical spread, and modern day celebrations.
History and Origin
In 1965, a treaty was signed by the British and Maldives government that gave Maldivian citizens the independence and right to self-governance. After more than two centuries of foreign rule, the Maldives left its status of a British protectorate and on July 26th, 1965, the nation celebrated its first anniversary of independence— also known as the National Day of Maldives.
According to one of the most famous ancient legends in Maldives, it is believed that the ancient Daore Dynasty was first established in the year 1117 when Vijaya Kumara of Palur, a small village in India, traveled to the Maléatoll Island with his seven followers, establishing the assumed first dynasty in the country. Other records state the National Day of Maldives was first officially celebrated in 1967, when the first president of the Maldives, Ibrahim Nasir, declared 26th July as National Day.
The Independence Day holiday marks a special occasion for the nation when Maldivians from across the world take time to commemorate the nation’s progress and celebrate its culture.
Significance and Meaning
The Independence Day national holiday honors the hard work done by Maldivian forefathers whose dedication to freedom set a strong foundation for the nation’s development in education, health, infrastructure, and security.
The Nation Day of Maldives not only signifies past achievements and successes, but also serves as a reminder of the core values and principles that define the culture of the Maldives: fairness, spirit of unity, and resilience. The holiday encourages Maldivians to come together, worked together and experiment with new ideas and projects to make the nation successful.
Traditions and Celebrations
During the festivities of the National Day of the Maldives, Maldivians partake in a plethora of activities, such as fireworks and colorful parades. Many traditional festivals and events take place throughout the country on Independence Day, such as the Grand Flag Hoisting Ceremony, cultural dances, singing and poetry performances, street carnivals, and live entertainment.
Apart from the cultural and entertainment activities, Independence Day is also marked by a range of events that seek to promote peace, social cohesion, and national pride. At the state capital of Malé, a large flag hoisted ceremony is hosted at the Sultan Park—one of the most recognized landmarks of the country.
The Days and events of the National Day usually kick off with the President of the Maldives leading a public parade around the capital city. This is followed by a gathering of all the people in the country who have been affected by the independence struggle. During this gathering, a ceremonial event takes place and speeches and poems are delivered to help keep the nation’s proud history alive in the hearts and minds of Maldivian people.
Geographical Spread
The celebration of the National Day of Maldives is observed widely across the country, from the capital city of Malé to the many small towns located on the island nation’s scattered atolls. The days and events of Independence Day are heavily followed, with all Maldivians showcasing their patriotism and national pride through engaging in traditional festivities and activities.
In addition, National Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the world, with Maldivian expatriates gathering together in foreign lands to commemorate their nation’s independence. It is also observed in the neighboring countries of Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia, the latter two of which also have large populations of Maldivian expats.
Modern Day Observations
During the recent years, various modern and digital platforms have been launched in order to engage and mobilize Maldivian citizens towards the festivities of Independence Day. Some of the popular methods for promoting the National Day include online radio transmissions, televised events, interactive websites and social media campaigns highlighting cultural and historical aspects.
In 2020, in the wake the coronavirus pandemic, a string of virtual activities took place to mark the celebration. Live streaming of cultural activities, online debates, exhibitions, and virtual tours, were hosted and shared on the national television and radio. In addition, the government also organised webinars in the evening to encourage the citizens to stay united at home while celebrating the independence of the country.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• One of the biggest facts about Maldives Independence Day is that it is celebrated at the exact time of the year (July 26th) and every two years, a free and fair election is held in the country.
• The oldest surviving Islamic Tombstone in South Asia is located in the Maldives, and it dates back to 1027 AD.
• The Grand Flag Hoisting Ceremony which is held every year on the National Day, is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation since its introduction in 1967.
• Due to the geopolitical situation, a large portion of the Maldivian independence struggle was not documented in the way it should have been. Nonetheless, it is believed that the country was always striving to be independent since the Sultans (Monarchs) of the Maldives always had their own distinct governing system and social values.
• It is believed that the first planting of coconut trees on the island of Thoddoo in Eastern Maldives was done on a National Day.
• The language spoken in Maldives, Dhivehi, is almost identical in all of the islands. It is divided only into two dialects due to the difference in the size of the island.
• The National Day of Maldives marks an official end of the monsoon season when the stormy rain relieves, providing relief to the islands.
Holiday Wishes
1. Wishing you and your family a Happy National Day filled with joy and happiness.
2. Let us come together to celebrate the beauty and significance of the National Day of Maldives.
3. May the festivities of this National Day bring peace and prosperity to our nation.
4. Let’s come together to commemorate the hard-fought freedom and independence for the Maldives.
5. Wishing all of you a Happy and Safe National Day!
Holiday Messages
1. May this National Day of Maldives fill our hearts with pride and joy for our nation and its achievements.
2. Let us take this occasion to honor and recognize all the hard work done by our forefathers by coming together and celebrating this special day with utmost enthusiasm.
3. Take this National Day as an occasion to come together, stand together and appreciate the incredible strides that our nation has taken since its independence.
4. Let us celebrate the vibrant and unique Maldivian culture that makes our nation so special.
5. Taking this occasion to wish our country and its citizens a brighter tomorrow, filled with peace and progress.
Holiday Quotes
1. “The independence day of Maldives is a day of rejoicing; a day of bliss; a day of inner enlightenment.” – Jeevaka Kery
2. “The National Day of the Maldives teaches us to never forget our past, to carry the spirit of our forefathers and to keep alive the flame of our national heritage.” – Ahmed Hameed
3. “Truth, action, freedom and justice constitute the four cardinal points of our National Day of celebration.” – Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
4. “The National Day of Maldives should be celebrated with undying devotion, faith, and loyalty towards our motherland.” – Mohamed Nasheed
5. “We must always remember and appreciate our hard-won freedom and the sacrifices of our forefathers. Happy National Day of Maldives!” – Ibrahim Nasir
Other Popular Holiday Info
National Day in the Maldives is not just about celebrating the nation’s past but also about the progress it is making towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Since its independence, the nation has seen tremendous growth in almost every sector and the holiday is a perfect time to reflect on these advancements.
Businesses and tourism opportunities in the Maldives have grown immensely in the past few decades. The country’s booming tourism sector has provided employment opportunities to the locals and helped develop the economy. Additionally, efforts by the government to focus on eco-tourism, ocean protection, and sustainability have put the Maldives on the world map as an attractive tourist destination.
The nation is also renowned for its commitment to human rights, as evidenced by its successful efforts to criminalize gender-based violence and introduce the Gender Equality Act of 2012. Other education, health and human security initiatives implemented by the government demonstrate a strong dedication to the well-being of its citizens.
The National Day of the Maldives is a day of celebration, appreciation, and remembrance of the nation’s rich history, culture, and customs. Maldivians honor the independence of their nation and are thankful for the progress that has been made. On this day, may all Maldivians remain united to celebrate the beauty of their country and their own true national identity.
National Day in Maldives Also Called
Independence Day.
FUN FACT:
In year 1953, National Day in Maldives is celebrated on September 5 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!