Eid ul-Al Adha is celebrated approximately 70 days after Eid ul Fitr. It falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Zul-Hijja. It is also called the “Festival of Sacrifice” because it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is celebrated the day after the pilgrims performing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, descend from Mount Arafat.
This Eid brings with it the longest public holiday (from five to seven days) in Maldives along with an atmosphere of revelry and feasting. People plan ahead and visit their friends and relatives staying in different islands. Sports, music and dance all form a part of the festivities with people of all age groups and from all walks of life participating in the celebrations.