Villin'gili gears up for Eid-ul Al'haa

Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili, one of the islands selected by the government to celebrate Eid-ul Al'haa at a national level, is gearing up for the festivities with a lot of excitement and hype, according to Villin'gili Council.

Vishal Mohamed, President of the Villin'gili Council, told Mihaaru News that preparations for Eid festivities have already begun. The slogan for this year's Eid is "Emmeney Ratah" (everyone come to the island)," he said.

According to Visham, the employees of Kooddoo Fisheries Complex are working on preparing a 'Mariyaadhuge' which is a structure built away from a home to greet guests and relax. The youngsters of the island are also busy collecting dried coconut palm leaves for the celebratory bonfire 'Eid Badi', he said.

People are also preparing for the traditional rowing tournament 'Kurufali' to be held across the atoll, he said. The first, second and third place winners will also be selected.

"The rowing tournament is open to everyone across the entire atoll. We are organizing this event to bring people together and promote camaraderie within the atoll," Vishal said.

The tournament will be a great opportunity to revive friendship among the people of the atoll, he said.

A parade will also be organized by the four districts of the island.

Visham said that a fishing race will be organized for everyone in Villin'gili. The competition will award prizes to the first, second, and third place winners, in addition to valuable prizes offered to the team that catches the heaviest fish, he added.

To participate in the fishing race, participants have to form teams and submit a form to the council.

The Eid festivities will start after the Eid Badi on the eve of Eid, with the lighting of the celebratory bonfire, he said.

"Everyone in the island, young and old, is very enthusiastic about organizing the Eid festivities. I am very happy that everyone is involved in the preparations in unity," he said.