ODWIRA FESTIVAL

Hi Steemians,
Gradually, the week is moving at a faster pace. So soon we are in Thursday again.
Today I want to tell you all about one of the great festivals that we have here in Ghana. The name of this festival is the ODWIRA FESTIVAL. So without wasting much time let me just walk you through ;

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Odwira festival is celebrated by the people of Larteh and Akuapem in general. These groups are located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This festival was introduced by the 19th chief of the Akropong (Okuapemhene), Nana Addo Dankwa I (1811-1835).The first of it kind was celebrated in October, 1826. The Odwira festival is celebrated to signify the Akuapem's victory over the invisible Ashanti Army during the battle of Katamansu in 1826. The festival is celebrated to cleanse them and also to ask for protection from the Gods of the Akuapem land.
Odwira festival is staged for a week, it always starts from Monday and ends on Sunday. Each of this day is characterized with rites, rituals and ceremonies.

On Mondays, they clear the pathways "Akwammo" within the Akuapem town, shrines and royal graveyards. Libations are poured in the morning, to seek permission from the ancestors to lift the ban on drumming, which would have been imposed 6 weeks earlier before the festival begins. They call this process "Adae Butuw".

On Tuesdays, the new agricultural year is officially opened and the white stools (stools of the chief of Okuapem) at the Palace are washed. All the past stools of chiefs are washed and lined up at the Palace for a while. This washing of the stools are done at the palace courtyard. Libations are then poured during the purification.

Wednesdays are devoted for mourning all the loved ones they have lost. This activity is done by pouring libation to remember those who have died during the previous year. Black, dark-brown, red and other dark patterned cloths are the traditional dresses for this activity. The ancestors in the stool room are also fed, a sacred indoor rite and appeal for funds and donations are made for developmental projects in the year.

On Thursdays, feasting is done among the people of Akuapem. They exchange food and other gifts among themselves. Homages are paid to the Chief and Queen mother by presenting them with Gifts. On this day green, yellow, blue and white coloured cloths are worn to Grace the celebration. Black stools are placed upright and fed with pieces of meat and mashed yam.
The Omanhene (chief) also performs rites for the odwira "suman" at Banmuhene's house, after which the public may consult Banmuhene for a ritual bath with a concoction of sacred water and herbs. By the close of that day, the Omanhene receives the various groups from November, with the Banmuhene presenting the Omanhene's empty food container by placing the container three times on the lips of the Oman here. It is then taken to the stool room. After, the carrier of the food is also placed three times on the lap of the Omanhene. The last activity of the day is "Sesadompe" (literally, gathering of bones) during which leaves and other sacrificial items on the Odosu are removed and deposited at Nsorem under the cover of darkness. The rite is then finalised with three hundred gunshots. Strict curfew and lights out are insisted for some customary rites to be performed at night.

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On Fridays, a dramatic public display of culture spearheaded by the Okuapemhene (paramount chief of Akuapem). People from all walks of life dress according to office and ranks come to grace the occasion.

On Saturdays, the youth participate in sporting activities and merry making while some sub chiefs hold durbar with the Omanhene of Akuapem.

Lastly on the last day of the festival which is a Sunday. Thanksgiving service is held to thank the almighty God for a successful ceremony.

Thanks for your time.

Sources you can use as references to learn more about the odwira festival ;

Ayensu, M. S. (2015). Empirical study of Akuapem odwira festival and traditional state symbols: A means for design and production of textile regalia for Akuapem paramount chief. MFA thesis. KNUST, Kumasi. Deparment of Industrial art.

Cole, H. M. (nd) The art of festival in Ghana

http://www.travel-to-discover-ghana.com/odwira-festival.html

https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Odwira_festival