Katurasele community in South Choiseul was buzzing with excitement as residents welcome New Year (NY) 2025 in a celebration mode this week.
Reports reaching the Solomon Star said, the village successfully staged a four-day program as part of the welcome program.
The community was packed with people who are working and studying in Honiara, overseas and other urban centres.
Most of them travelled to spend their festive holiday at community in early December.
The new year program was held a week after the community successfully held its Centenary (100yrs) anniversary since the arrival of the Adventist Gospel at Katurasele.
The 2025 NY committee was led by Chairperson Leslie Molea and supported by Chris Gumese Puisasa as assistant.
Puisasa told the Solomon Star on Thursday from Choiseul that the NY program started on Sunday with preparations works and ended on Wednesday with a feast.
Sports activities featured mix volleyball and men’s soccer started on Monday.
He said, heavy rain on Monday affected sports activities and slowed things down a bit but was completed on Tuesday.
For sports, the overall sports champion team is Sisilaku.
All the children’s activities such as treasure hunt, blind folding, races etc were also played on Tuesday.
He said, the highlight of the program was on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day.
He said, Wednesday was reserved solely for food preparations for the feast which was held later in the evening.
The community was divided into three zones where all the cookings took place.
“The highlight of the program was the feast in the evening and the social night program that followed after.
“A control house was built at the center of the village, where a sound system was set up that helped to mobilise and organise the people to attend the programs and activities,” Mr Puisasa added.
The NY committee expressed gratitude to all who took part and supported the program.
“A big thank you to Hon Tozen Leokana for the timely financial support that contributes immensely towards the successful celebration of the NY program,” he said.
On Wednesday during the New Year’s day, the feast was organised like in the olden days where all the food were placed on leaves and shared by everyone while sitting down on the lawn.
John Lenga Sisiolo explained the significant of the shared feast table.
“We know that village feasting holds significant cultural, social, and economic importance in our village.
“These communal gatherings often reflect our traditional practices, foster a sense of unity, and reinforce important social bonds that are passed from generations.
“This is an opportunity that brings us together.
“It strengthens relationships within the community by encouraging social interactions, cooperation, and mutual support.
“This practice shows that we still value our relationship and rely on each other for survival. This community party is crucial in maintaining a sense of unity and collective identity in our community,” he said.
With the New Year celebration and holiday now over, everyone will start returning to their respective place of work and study in the coming days.
Most villagers are looking forward for the 2026 new year welcome celebration again.
They also acknowledged the hardworking committee for successfully program.
