Eid al‑Fitr lighting begins, but rural decorations halted due to fiscal concern

The government on Tuesday launched this year’s Eid al‑Fitr celebrations, beginning with the lighting and decoration campaign led by the Local Government Ministry.

Festive Eid celebrations are among President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s key pledges, and the nationwide lighting initiative was first introduced under his administration to bring “the joy of Eid” to communities across the country.

However, the government has decided not to illuminate rural islands this year, citing cost‑cutting measures linked to the economic impact of the ongoing US‑Israeli war against Iran in the Middle East. The Special Committee of Ministers on the War discussed the matter at Cabinet level and concluded that Eid lights would be limited to all cities, including Male', while rural areas would not be lit.

The government said the decision was made in light of current fiscal pressures, though the broader Eid celebrations will continue.