Eid Celebration at Hulhudheli:
Females Dominating Over Males!

There is always competition among islands in eid celebration at Maldives. In islands, this competition is at district levels. Every island and district put their maximum effort to make eid celebration joyful. The same competition goes between associations in the islands.

In Dh Hulhudheli, this competition is between two different groups. It is a tradition in this island to have these competitions between males and females. Sport events and other activities are conducted in this island between males and females. Females trying to take over males are seen in this island. And according to the observations of this year’s festival, females are dominating over males.

“We will not let them (males) win at any cost this time. Just wait and watch. You have seen this today. These things can best be judged by journalists,” said Jameela Abdul Rahman (Jamitha) of Finivaage.

Females arranged the first day of the celebration of this holy festival. They were in charge to organize and conduct cultural and traditional activities during the first day. Due to the seriousness of the competition between these two groups, most of the events organized by the females were kept as a secret. According the females, those things can only be revealed at the time of the event.

“Spectators will also be amazed when it is exposed at the correct time, won't it? They (males) might do something wrong, if we reveal it before hand. That’s why we are keeping those as a secret,” said Jamitha.

During the eid, the people in the island have most of the fun during the stage shows. “Harubee Boduberu Goup” (a traditional music group) is brought to perform in the stage this year. Females were the ones who organized, funded, and welcomed this group.

“If there were any expense, everyone was so willing to spend. They gave their full support to everything. Everyone helped in which ever way they could,” said Jeeza Abdul Shukoor, president of women’s committee.

According to Jeeza, the charge for Harubee group to perform in the stage is MVR 50,000, and the females of the island arranged this amount.

The core member of “Harubee” group; Mandey, best expressed the commitment of the people of the island on eid celebration.

“I have never seen this before. We have gone to any islands. But we are dazed about their arrangements and to see how much they are into eid celebration,” said Mandey.

The females of this island did not only bring “Harubee” group to this island. Apart from this, they have planned to perform lot other events. In this regard, they have decided to perform some of traditional events and dances like Boduberu, Ban’diyaa and Dhan’di.

It is true that the females of this island are very passionate and the leadership they demonstrate are a model for all.