The 14th edition of Mulhako wa Alhomwe is slated for October 6 and promises a new experience.
In the last eight months, Mulhako wa Alhomwe headquarters at Chonde in Mulanje has undergone transformation to a full cultural home replete with a Lhomwe museum and a model home.
Mulhako board chairperson Muchanakwaye Mpuluka in an interview yesterday said restoring the status of the headquarters had brought a new outlook to the place and added relevance to the objectives of the establishment.
Mpuluka said: “As Lhomwe people we are known for many things such as the traditional food and our belief in natural herbs. As part of the refurbishment of the village, we have planted gondolosi, thubulo, msatsi and built namurukus around the place.
“When people come during the festival, they will be able to see some of the things they consume from the source so they can have an idea how they look like. This has never happened before in the history of the event.”
The board chairperson said though the financial environment is not as favourable, they are banking on the contributions of their membership to make this year’s event a success.
“When we talk about resources we talk about so many things. The biggest resource that we have is people. If we reach out to them, everything little they will contribute will make a difference. What we mainly need is food and transport and we know they are ready to help,” he said.
On Sunday, the organising committee started its preparatory meetings at Chonde for this year’s event themed; united for a common purpose.
The committee chairperson Felix Tambulasi said as per tradition, the event will showcase different Lhomwe cultural dances, traditional foods and connecting with other people.
He said: “The preparations are going on well. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the Lhomwe themselves and the numbers that are coming shows how much they want the event to be a success. “No matter what, the event will take place and it will be another memorable celebration for the Lhomwes and all the invited guests.”
