Kendhoo to celebrate Eid Al-Adha as a grand festivity

Baa atoll Kendhoo will celebrate this upcoming Eid Al-Adhha with extra pomp this year as the island’s two districts gear up to collaborate together to celebrate the Islamic holiday.

Although the island has celebrated Eid in the past, the two districts always held celebrations separately. This year, that will likely change.

In order to coordinate the festivities, the two districts have also appointed a joint committee.

Speaking to local media outlet ‘Mihaaru News’ a member of the committee said that the islanders decided to collectively celebrate Eid this year as opposed to other years. The individual celebrations from both districts has come to an end to enhance the unity of the island, the official said.

“Eid celebrations [used to be] celebrated by both districts separately in the island. This time [we] we want to bring that division to an end. This team was selected from the entire island to strengthen our [the island’s] bond,” the official said.

According to the committee member, this year’s Eid Al-Adha celebrations will be the grandest which has ever been celebrated on the island, and locals have been preparing for the activities for some time now.

Celebrations on the island will commence with fireworks on the eve of Eid - a first for the island. The arrangements for the fireworks show were made with the support from the local island council.

Other celebratory activities on the agenda include a cultural activity called ‘Dhafi Negun’ which will be held for men and women separately. Except for Dhafi Negun, all other activities on the island will be open for participation for anyone who visits the island during this time as well.

Additional activities planned include Eid prayers and a special Eid tea for the entire island after the prayer. As is customary, islanders will also cook a special lunch on the first day of Eid, followed by men’s Dhafi Negun in the evening. The first night will feature a show organised by the youths of the island.

“The second day will be even more special,” the official said.

The second day will feature an Indian band’s music at night, while the evening will be filled with cultural activities such as Dhafi Negun and Koadi Ken’dun.

The festivities will end with a ‘Veyo Maali’ parade, which will also be open for everyone to join.

These celebrations will also be broadcasted live to the entire country via local TV channel VTV as per an agreement signed with the channel, said the committee member.

“This is the hard work of the island council, the island’s youth and its people. We want the island’s unity. It’s bond,” they said.