Celebration of new yam festival in umunede kingdom
The New Yam Festival is a significant cultural celebration in many Igbo communities, including the Umunede Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria. The festival is a time for the people to come together and celebrate the harvest season, give thanks to the gods, and mark the beginning of a new yam season.
Here's a glimpse into the celebration of the New Yam Festival in Umunede Kingdom:
Preparations: Weeks before the festival, the people of Umunede Kingdom begin to prepare for the celebration. They clean their homes, decorate their streets, and prepare traditional dishes such as pounded yam, egusi soup, and other local delicacies.
Procession: On the day of the festival, the people of Umunede Kingdom gather at the palace of the monarch, the Ovie of Umunede. The Ovie, accompanied by his chiefs and other dignitaries, leads a procession through the streets of the kingdom, accompanied by traditional drummers, dancers, and masquerade groups.
Traditional Dishes: The festival is a time for the people to come together and share traditional dishes. The pounded yam, which is the main staple food of the Igbo people, is a central part of the celebration. The yam is pounded into a smooth paste and served with a variety of soups and stews.
Cultural Performances: The festival features a range of cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, and acrobatic displays. The performances are a way for the people to showcase their cultural heritage and entertain each other.
Prayers and Offerings: The festival is also a time for the people to offer prayers and sacrifices to the gods. The Ovie and his chiefs lead prayers and offer sacrifices to the gods, asking for blessings and protection for the kingdom and its people.
Feasting and Merriment: The festival is a time for feasting and merriment. The people of Umunede Kingdom come together to share food, drink, and laughter. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with music, dancing, and storytelling.
Closing Ceremony: The festival comes to a close with a grand finale of music, dance, and fireworks. The Ovie and his chiefs thank the gods for the blessings of the harvest season and bid farewell to the festival.
The New Yam Festival in Umunede Kingdom is a celebration of culture, tradition, and community. It is a time for the people to come together, give thanks, and look forward to a new yam season.