Mulhako celebrations budgeted at K200m

Organisers of Mulhako wa Alhomwe say the 2023 Lhomwe cultural celebrations are budgeted at K200 million.

During a press briefing at Mulhako wa Alhomwe headquarters in Chonde, Mulanje on Saturday, organising committee chairperson and board secretary Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka said some of the funds will be used to help survivors of Cyclone Freddy.

He said:”This year’s budget is K200 million which includes donations from people. We have come up with some measures to also find funds that will help our cyclone survivors.

“Basically, what we have done this year is to adjust prices of the food. It is part of these returns that will be spared to help Cyclone Freddy survivors who are still struggling here in the Southern Region.”

Mpuluka further said this year’s event will begin with prayers dedicated to the people who were affected by Cyclone Freddy in March 2023.

He said: “This year we have dedicated the whole week from September 30 to prayers for cyclone survivors. Thereafter, the actual celebrations will follow from October 6 and wind up on October 8.”

Mpuluka further said this year’s event, to be held under the theme ‘Our cultural heritage, our shared responsibility’, will attract people from different walks of life.

He said: “We have invited all paramount chiefs in Malawi and from our neighbouring countries. Among others are our fellow Lhomwes from Mozambique and the Chewa King Gawa Undi from Zambia.”

However, Mpuluka could not confirm whether President Lazarus Chakwera has been invited to the event.

He said: “As a cultural event, we always work with the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture.”

In his remarks, Mulhako wa Ahlomwe board chairperson Elvis Thodi said the annual event is important as it unifies Lhomwes.

He said: “Mulhako wa Alhomwe is aimed at promoting and preserving the culture and traditions. Therefore, this year’s celebrations will help to showcase these Lhomwe traditions and culture.”

Thodi further said people should expect a different event compared to the previous ones.

“All preparations for the event are in their final stages. Let me assure people that this year’s celebrations will be exciting,” he said.

Mulhako wa Alhomwe is an annual event which was founded by former president, Bingu Wa Mutharika in 2007 to preserve and promote the traditions and customs of the Lhomwe.