Eid Al Adha celebrations in Gan, Kelaa, Guraidhoo

Eid Al Adha is being celebrated in three islands at national level this year: HA. Kelaa, K. Guraidhoo and L. Gan. The islands said that there is huge public applaud for the festivals, with guesthouses on the three islands now fully booked.

Kelaa Council President Abdulla Infaz said that festivities will begin on the island with 'Eid Hulhu' bonfire on the night of Hajj Day. Eid will begin with congregational prayers, after which the council will be hosting a special breakfast for residents.

Infaz said that the first two days of the festival will feature traditional activities special to the island such as 'Maliku dhan'di jehun', 'koadi', 'bodumas dhuvvun', followed by a stage show.

On the third day, there will be a canoe race, more traditional games such as 'Mandi kulhun', and 'lan'giri jehun'. There will be a stage show on this night as well.

The last day of the festival will feature various competitions, and a family evening with more traditional activities. This night's stage show will be presented by a Hanimadhoo group, Kelaa Boduberu group and Goma group.

Many visitors have already begun arriving on the island to join the Eid festivities.

While 49 guesthouses are operated in Kelaa, all are fully booked now. Infaz further said that an additional 10 rooms have been booked in a new guesthouse that is still under construction.

"So we expect over 500 visitors," Infaz said.

Meanwhile in Guraidhoo, the total bed capacity of 360 in guesthouses has now been fully booked, the Guraidhoo Council Vice President Ibrahim Shaleez said.

Shaleez said that as Guraidhoo is close to Male', many visitors are also planning day trips. Staff from nearby resorts are also planning to visit for the stage show at night, he said.

With all guesthouses full as well, Shaleez estimates there will be around 1000 visitors coming for the festivities.

Guraidhoo, too, will be having the festival over four days. On Friday, there will be fireworks, water play and a performance from Habeys Boduberu. Other Eid games, competitions and an Eid show are planned for Saturday. Sunday will bring the 'Eid Jaafaiy' [special feast], 'maali' parade and Eid show.

On the last day of the festival, there will be a special evening for persons with special needs, a fishing ace and a barbecue.

Laamu atoll Gan President Ahmed Zaki also confirmed that the island is preparing for Eid festivities.

There will be baibala [kabaddi] games, 'mandi kulhun', and a stage show, as well as many traditional games.

Zaki said that flights to Gan are fully booked, as well as all guesthouses on the island. He believes that about 2000 visitors will arrive for the festival.

All the councils said that visitors will also be able to join in the festivities in various games and competitions.

Besides these three islands, guesthouses on many other islands are also seeing a high number of bookings, with many planning holidays and travels during the Eid holidays.