December 31, 2025 – The activities of the 31st Ghat International Tourism Festival concluded amidst a wide public turnout and remarkable interaction, featuring the Mahari race, which is considered one of the most prominent heritage events in southern Libya, embodying the depth of folk heritage and the spirit of challenge and excitement.
The closing of the festival “represented a distinguished milestone with one of the strongest and most enjoyable Mahari races, which revived one of the most important authentic folk heritages in southern Libya.”
The knights competed with great enthusiasm in a unique celebratory atmosphere, confirming that “the curtain fell on the festival’s activities with the Mahari race in a manner befitting the history, authenticity, and cultural status of the city of Ghat.”
The final day included, alongside the Mahari race, special Mahari displays, heritage house activities, and concluded with an evening artistic ceremony that reflected the richness and diversity of the region’s cultural and heritage scene.
It is worth noting that the Ghat International Tourism Festival was held this year under the slogan “Our Heritage… Values and Civilization,” and witnessed the organization of a diverse package of cultural, heritage, and artistic events, which reflected the specificity of the region and contributed to promoting cultural tourism in southern Libya.
Ghat
A ghat refers to a series of steps leading down to a river, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, and is most famously associated with the sacred city of Varanasi on the Ganges River. These embankments have been built over many centuries and serve as vital sites for Hindu rituals, including daily prayers, ceremonial bathing, and cremation. Their history is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural life of the region, representing a continuous tradition of pilgrimage and worship for thousands of years.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of Leptis Magna, which attest to its significant historical legacy.
Ghat International Tourism Festival
The Ghat International Tourism Festival is an annual cultural event held in Ghat, Libya, aimed at promoting tourism in the Sahara Desert region. It celebrates local Tuareg heritage through traditional music, crafts, and camel races, highlighting the historical significance of Ghat as an ancient crossroads of trans-Saharan trade routes.
Mahari race
The Mahari race is a traditional boat race held annually in Manipur, India, on the sacred Loktak Lake. Historically, the race was part of religious rituals dedicated to the local deity, Lord Thangjing, and involved the royal boats of the former kings of Moirang. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural festival that showcases the region’s maritime heritage and communal spirit.
