Kulhudhuffushi Council Bans Use of Names and Photos in Mashi Maali Parade

The Kulhudhuffushi City Council has banned the use of individuals’ names and photographs in the Mashi Maali Parade during this year’s Eid celebrations.

The Mashi Maali Parade is regarded as one of Kulhudhuffushi’s most prominent cultural events and attracts nationwide attention each year.

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In an announcement made on Monday, the city council announced that participants in this year’s parade must follow several guidelines.

According to the council, only maalis, or costumed figures, that do not contradict Islamic principles will be allowed to participate. Participants will also be individually responsible for their own maali, while all portrayals must conform to general social standards.

The council further stated that the use of people’s names and photographs is prohibited in this year’s parade.

The parade will be held on the second day of Eid al-Adha, with the council encouraging participation from both children and adults.

The parade is a long-standing tradition in Kulhudhuffushi, held during every Eid al-Adha and involving participants from across generations.

Alongside the traditional mashi maalis, the event is also known for its creative floats, which often attract significant public attention.

Some maali characters have remained unchanged since the early years of the tradition and continue to form part of the parade each year.

The event has historically served as a platform for residents to express public sentiment and reflect current social issues through performances and displays. Last year’s parade featured floats and costumes that included satirical representations of government pledges and public perceptions of their implementation. These included commentary on challenges in accessing prescription medicines, the government’s taxi line service, income generated from the bunkering service, and the vape ban, among other issues.