Ramadan in Maldives during COVID-19 or Roadha Mas in Dhivehi language, is the largest religious festival in Maldives. Things occur very differently than the usual day to day life in the Maldives during Ramadan 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown.
All Muslim citizens of the Maldives fast for 30 days during day time. A great deal of special food are cooked, new household articles are purchased in preparation for the month of Ramadan. You will find considerable number of events happening during Ramadan month, special offers on electronic products, and many other offers are found around Malé and in the Atolls of the Maldives. All the offices in Maldives work for shorter hours during Ramadan. Cafés and Restaurants at hotels, resorts are usually open for the tourist, and for those people who don’t fast or cook at home during the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan break fast is at the sunset and is organised at different places such as resorts, hotels, restaurants and at home. Thats the norm in Maldives during Ramadan. However, all that has changed this year due to COVID-19.
Business is unusual during this Ramadan 2020 in Maldives due to COVID-19 lockdown. People are asked to stay at home to stay safe from Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Places of worship in Malé are shut down for staying away from mass gatherings and keeping social distancing. One person from each household is permitted to go out for essential needs such as shopping on every three days, work duties, medical emergencies and ATM cash withdrawals and any other emergencies that may arise.
Generosity reaps unexpected dividends. Ramadan in Maldives is a time for charity for the poor. Families and loved ones are reunited, worshiping and prayers are said from homes, home schooling, work from home, online shopping and delivery services. Less food is wasted.
Today is Friday, 24th of April 2020, the first day of Ramadan Month and we wish all the Maldivians and Muslims around the World a very blessed holy month of Ramadan. Stay home, stay safe, keep social distancing but not mental distancing.
