Mulhako wa Alhomwe has announced that activities to celebrate Lhomwe culture will be held on October 19 at Chonde in Mulanje.
Since its establishment in 2007 inspired by former president Bingu wa Mutharika, the cultural grouping and its annual festival have been linked to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which last week triumphed in the September 16 General Election.
But in an interview yesterday, Mulhako wa Alhomwe board chairperson Muchanakwaye Mpuluka said the festival is meant to be a celebration for all Malawians.
He said: “Mulhako wa Alhomwe is about celebrating culture and uniting communities, not advancing any political party or agenda. Although rooted in Lhomwe traditions, it is a celebration for all Malawians and even foreign friends of goodwill.”
Political scientist George Chaima reinforced this perspective, warning against politicising cultural festivals.
“The current political paradigm shift should also reflect a shift in cultural norms by ensuring that tribal or traditional practices and festivals are taken away from political monopoly,” he said.
Chaima said linking Mulhako wa Alhomwe to DPP will not reflect well on national political interests, noting that many Malawians voted for Mutharika and the DPP, yet the citizens belong to various tribes like Yao, Chewa and Tumbuka.
“Centralising Mulhako under one political party risks alienating other cultural and political groups. The autonomous existence of cultural festivals should be distanced from politics to ensure participatory inclusion for all traditional occasions,” Chaima observed.
Young people who frequent the annual event also share high expectations for this year’s festival.
Maggie Banda said she values the event’s role in promoting unity.
“By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, the festival fosters national unity and cultural understanding. I expect it to provide a platform for people to share ideas, celebrate their differences, and strengthen social bonds,” she said.
Banda added that preserving cultural practices such as the use of traditional medicine and herbs like Gondolosi roots, remains a vital part of Mulhako.
For Immaculate Pahuwa, the appeal lies in inclusivity and safety.
This year’s festival, to be held under the theme ‘Enduring spirit: Overcoming challenges together’, aims to reflect the national mood and speak to social challenges, especially among youth struggling with drug abuse, economic pressure and loss of hope, Mpuluka said.
The Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival has grown into an annual national fixture showcasing traditional dances, music, cuisine, crafts and exhibitions. Women perform a Lhomwe traditional dance during a previous festival.
