The Ministry of Home Affairs has opened a photography competition, to commemorate this year’s Independence Day, celebrated on 26th July.

In a publication on Monday, the ministry revealed that the photography competition will be held as part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

The photography competition is based around the themed “Minivan Ufaa” roughly translated as “independent happiness”, will be open to all Maldivian above 18 years of age.

Participants must make sure the photographs they submit to the competition, matches the theme.

Further, participants will also be required to ensure their photograph fit within the four key areas specified in the criteria; natural beauty of the Maldives, the country’s history, the country’s culture and the culture of Maldivian society as well as the society’s freedom and happiness.

The deadline for participation is set at July 15.

Participants are required to submit their photographs through the website, dedicated for the purpose. The ministry revealed that each participant will be allowed to submit three images.

Criteria and other rules regarding the tournament, will be available through the dedicatedwebsite.

The competition promises a cash prize of MVR 15,000 for the winners.

The home ministry’s photography competition is a joint initiative with the United Photographers Association.