Festive Celebrations
Since Lakshadweep is inhabited largely by Muslims most festivals celebrated here are Islamic in nature. Popularly known as the fast-breaking festival, Id-Ul-Fitr is observed as soon as the new moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan or month of fasting. This day is marked by preparation of special food and delicacies and distributed to neighbours and friends. Bakri-Id is a festival of sacrifice of goats. Observed to pay homage to Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son for God's sake, on this auspicious day special prayers are recited by thousands of Muslims for peace and prosperity.
Milad-Ul-Nabi celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and is marked by religious services and preparation of delicious food and delicacies for the day. Though not really abt joy and festivity, Muharram is the mourning of the Karbala tragedy when the grandson of Prophet Muhammad was martyred. To observe this day of mourning, luxuriously decorated taziyas, which are the replicas of the martyr's tomb are carried through city streets. People beat their chests and lament over the murder of Imam Husain.
Celebrated mostly by the inhabitants of the islands, Moulood Festival is observed to obtain divine blessings. Earlier, the festivities used to be marked by the Dandi Dance performed by locals in a group before the village house. Ratheeb is another uncommon festival celebrated here. During this, locals visit the tomb of Sheikh Kasim to pray for his blessings.