Post

Some of the main national holidays in the Crowned Federation are:

New Year
Lasting from December 31st-January 1st, it's a holiday adopted from the Gregorian calendar. As it's a largely secular holiday in the country, Samuderans celebrate it by lighting and watching fireworks, or just going outside to gather with friends and families in cinemas and eateries that usually display discounts for the occasion. Samuderan Christians of Roman Catholic denomination may celebrate it by attending the watchnight service.

Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast)
Also known as the Lesser Eid, the Muslim holiday falls on the first day of Shawwal according to the Hijri calendar, though it may vary according to the Gregorian calendar. The celebration of Eid al Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Charity is usually paid from Ramadan right into the morning before the prayer service on Shawwal 1st. After attending the Eid prayer if they are able to, observant Muslims, still wearing their finest clothing, then gather with friends and family for the feast, which features festive dishes and sweets. Aside of having meals together, the exchanging of gifts may also be done during the gathering, which coined the term "Eidi" or "Eid presents". During the night, the lighting of fireworks may also be observed in towns and cities.

Eid al-Adh (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Also known as the Greater Eid, this Muslim holiday lasts from the 10th to13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah according to the Hijri calendar. In Islamic tradition, Eid al Adh is celebrated to honour the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience towards God's command, though right before the deed can be done, God replaces the son with lamb instead. In order to commemorate the event, animals are sacrificed ritually by economically able Muslims, with most of the meat then being given to the poor and needy as an act of charity. Observant Muslims that are able to usually attend Eid prayer service with their finest clothing on the first day, and then they may gather with friends and families to help with the sacrifice or for having feast. Sweets and gifts are also given during the occasion.

Samudera National Day
Samudera National Day (Hari Nasional Samudera) is a holiday celebrated on March 1st, commemorating the full independence of the country from the United Kingdom in 1960 that ends its status as a British protectorate. During the National Day, flags are flown in public places, while parades featuring fashion shows, traditional dances, and musical performance are held in cities throughout the realm. The royal capital of Palembang also usually holds a military parade in the city's main stadium, with the Samuderan Royal Family in attendance.

Harvest Week
Traditionally originated as a religious holiday of the native Bethinan faith, Harvest Week enjoys a nationwide observance and lasts for a week, usually starting in May. It is held to celebrate the harvest of the year, and for the adherents of the Bethinan faith, also to thank the guardian spirits of the rice fields and gardens for the blessing of the harvest through visits to and sacrifices in the local shrines. During Harvest Week, it's common for Samuderan families to gather and share a family meal and view local parades celebrating the occasion near their areas. It is also not that rare for Samuderan city-dwellers with relatives living in farming villages to come visiting and help with the harvest, where portions of it are then reserved for charity.

Christmas
Christmas (also known as Krismas or Natal) is a Christian holiday that usually falls on December 25th according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a religious holiday that commemorates the nativity of Jesus. The observant Christians of Samudera Darussalam usually commemorate it by attending church service and gathering for feast with families and friends, where they then would exchange gifts (Christmas presents).