Some core Igala festivals
Some core Igala festivals
1. Ocho festival which is done before farm work starts. It is to pray to the earth god and God almighty for sufficient rain and bountiful harvest of crops to be planted.
2. Egwu/Okwula festival: Festival of the ancestors
3. Iyalo festival: It is new yam festival done with the first yam harvest from the farm
4. Ogbadu/Inikpi festival: Done in remembrance of the role Inikpi played during Igala and Benin war as well as in remembrance of the war. Ogvadu means equilibrium. Inikpi offered herself to be búried alive as prescribed by Ifa in order to end Igala -Benin war of 1515-1516.
5. Ogaganyi festival: Festival of harvest of other crops. It is like thanksgiving from the farm to God almighty and gods of the land.
6. Ogani: Acrobatics warriors festival in memorial of Igala-Jukun war of 1480s.
6. Iye Unyejima festival: Thanksgiving and worship of the mother goddess of fertility, protection, covenant, love and music.
7. Aboko festival: Boat regatta festival by the clan of the royal navies and waterways guards of Attah Igala. Part of them were absorbed into the British security personnel after the taken over of such roles by the British from traditional rulers.
8. Ulor/Uchokwo/Uchokwulo/Ojekwulo: Cleansing festival that keeps home free of evil, paves way for other feasts, brings peace, growth and good health to homes.
9. Italo: It is the gathering of Igala from various towns with their various musical, dance and masquerades display.
Add some you know is done in your town and tell me what it is. I will compile for the palace Archives.
Meanwhile, parents, teach this to your children so that they can know what to write/say in school when asked. No need to call the Ambassador if they know it again.