http://www.english.hadhramaut.info Lamu marks the birth of Prophet Mohammad [The Source: www.nation.co.ke/hadhramaut.info - 29/3/2009] The sea port of Lamu is bursting with activities since the onset of Maulidi festivals beign observed the whole of this week.The celebrations fall in the month of Prophet Mohammad's birthday and Muslims dedicate the occasion to chant his praises and recite his teachings. This year, the event marks its 120th anniversary since they were first initiated by one Habib Swaleh Jamalillayal, a religious scholar who migrated from Comoro to the Island, and built the Riyadha mosque, where most activities are held. Other events are held at the seafront, Lamu fort and Mkunguni square, just outside the fort. Lamu island hosts the biggest festival in East and Central Africa and brings together competitors from as far as the Middle East besides attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.During the celebrations, the life pattern of the residents of the small island undergoes major changes as the narrow streets burst with movements and activities both day and night. Life starts at the sight of dawn as men, dressed in flawless white gowns known as kanzus and religious hats (walahi), or special wrap arounds (vikoi) and T-shirts make their way to the mosques for the early morning prayers (Fajr). Thereafter they gather at the Mkunguni square for small talk as business slowly picks pace with coffee sellers arranging their pots and lighting up their jikos while traders at the Lamu market start selling out to the early birds. Here as the sun gets brighter, no hooting is heard to indicate the increase in trafic but instead the sound is replaced by verbal shouts of pisha gari (make way for the vehicle) which in most instances would either be a trotting donkey or a hand cart. However, most streets are so narrow that can only one pedestrian can use them at time and woe unto you if the call finds you at such a venue, you will be forced to hug the closest wall to avoid being run over. To the residents, the warning call is ambacha ukucha punda uyao which is a reminder for the same act in Amu accent. One major importance of the narrow streets is that they wind round and can save a stranger from getting lost as he or she would find him or herself back where they started. The friendly residents are also always handy in helping out with directions whenever a visitor looks distraught and disoriented. Song and shouts are heard as the shadows get longer as several groups come together for different activities mainly according to gender, as stipulated in the Islamic culture where free mixing is highly dicscouraged. Men play football, board games, tug of war, compete in boat, donkey and swimming races, and athletics while women meet for drama, entertainment and beauty competitions including henna painting and bridal presentation. At night fall, life is more quiet as fewer activities take place and a large number of people take short walks by the sea front or sit in groups making talk while chewing miraa or eating roasted meat as they get a feel of the cool sea breeze. At this time all boats and dhows are docked creating a sight of the busy sea trade island that Lamu really is. With all these, residents still remain religious as all events come to a standstill whenever the call of prayers is sounded and people disperse for the prayer session before they all return minutes later for the hustle and bustle to once again pick up and continue