Festivals of Lakshadweep
The majority of the population in Lakshadweep follows Islam and therefore the islands celebrate all the major Islamic Festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Milad-Ul-Nabi, Bakri-Eid, and Muharram. These festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm in Lakshadweep that makes the islands colorful. Plan a visit to Lakshadweep when the islands remain at their best, to get the cultural experience of Lakshadweep. It is the time of festivity when you can get the real taste of culture.
Though many tribal festivals are observed, yet they aren’t celebrated with that much enthusiasm and aren't visible as well. The islands of Lakshadweep have numerous mosques, enabling its visitors to witness all the major Islamic festivals being observed there.
Eid-Ul-Fitr is the only festival, which is celebrated by everyone after the holy month of Ramadan. The serene atmosphere of Lakshadweep suddenly turns to be loud and becomes thrilling with the colors of celebrations. The season of festivity in Lakshadweep will keep you awe-stricken! During the festivals you cannot resist yourself from getting involved into these festivals.
Different Islamic Festivals Celebrated in Lakshadweep
1. Eid Ul Fitr
The most important among all the festivals is Eid-Ul-Fitr, which is celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan, when the new moon is visible. Ramadan is the month, when the Muslim community keeps fast and avoids having anything during the day, not even a drop of water.
Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of fasting days. The people begin their day of Eid-Ul-Fitr by visiting the mosques to recite holy sermons and offer their prayers. They organize huge feasts on this day and invite their friends & relatives. The energy and enthusiasm in the celebration is not less than any other state of India, although the islands of Lakshadweep have lesser inhabitants than any other state.
2. Bakri Eid
Bakri-Eid marks the end of religious journey of Muslim Pilgrims to Mecca. The day signifies the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It is celebrated to honor the sacrifice of his son’s life to show his devotion. It is believed that even the Almighty, asked Prophet Ibrahim to offer Ismail, his son to prove his devotion.
By obeying the instructions of the Almighty, he took his son to the altar where he sacrificed him after covering his own eyes. After opening his eyes, the Prophet found a goat (Bakri) sacrificed and his son Ismail alive. That’s why, on this day, a goat is sacrificed and the meat is distributed among the underprivileged and among the pilgrims in the mosque.
3. Milad Ul Nabi
Milad-Ul-Nabi, also known as Mawlid in Lakshadweep, marks the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (the last Prophet of Islam). It is celebrated on the 12th day of third month (Rabi-Ul-Awwal) according to Islamic Calendar. According to belief, he was born in 571 AD. Prophet Mohammad also left his body on this day.
Various parts of Lakshadweep, conduct several religious meetings on this day. These public gatherings are attended by both Shia and Sunni Muslims, where sweets are distributed and ‘Attar’ is sprinkled.
4. Muharram
Muharram signifies the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, who lived at Karbala in Iraq. According to tradition, people hurt themselves beating their chest and chanting 'Ya Hussein' sincerely.
On this day, most of the people hurt themselves with a metal chain to apologize for the sins. The most colorful and attractive part of this celebration is when the tazias are taken out in procession throughout the town by the Shia community. It symbolizes martyrdom People dressed in black symbolize mourning. It is celebrated for 10 days at the beginning of the month of Muharram.
It is an ideal time to see the best of Lakshadweep as the festivals adds color to the lives of the people that matches with the various shades of nature. The islands of Lakshadweep with its small population celebrate these festivals with energy and enthusiasm. These festivals are celebrated in a grand way that makes the atmosphere lively, which is similar to the celebrations organized in a metro city.
