Maldives held the official flag hoisting ceremony to commence the celebrations of the 74th National Day. The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Home affairs Azleen Ahmed.
At the ceremony, the flag was hoisted by the BC squad of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). In the ceremony, a special prayer was made in regard of the National Day. Furthermore, an official flag hoisting ceremony was held in the island of Utheem.
Utheemu is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who with his brothers and companions fought an eight-year-long war to drive out the Portuguese invaders who occupied the nation from 1558 to 1573.