The special festival the incumbent administration planned for the new year’s festivities, has been postponed.

The festival has been delayed due to increasing public criticism over the decision to hold such a festival at a time the island nation is overwhelmed with surging cases of common cold, fever and flu due to adverse weather conditions.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts revealed that the “Dhivehinge Raajje Festival 2024” was delayed due to the adverse weather conditions prevailing across the island nation presently.

The ministry stated that the weather conditions remain squally, and that it is not safe to travel these days.

The ministry earlier revealed plans to host the festival on December 31, at Central Park in Hulhumalé.

According to the ministry, they received a good response from the public to hold the festival.

The festival would pave the path for opportunities for local artists.