Here is
some information on the King’s Festival written in the form of an information leaflet, this is a true account of events during the period:
His Majesty‘s
Festival Important information
Here are
some things you need to remember throughout the 9 days festival:
1. The reason you have not seen His Majesty and some of his chiefs for
some days now is that they have been preparing for the Igue festival by
completing the Agwe (fasting). So when you see them for the first time on the
first day, you need to cheer at the top of your vocal cords. Your cheerful
noise will encourage and reassure them that they have your full support as a
people.
2. Remember that unless you are a chief, you must arrive early each day to
get a good spot to watch the celebration from, otherwise you will not be able
to see a thing. Try to get out of bed as soon as the cock crows, have a proper
bath, adorn yourself in your finest attire and jewellery, have a good meal and
head straight for the palace to secure your space.
3.If you are accompanying a chief as part of his entourage, remember to
get his own programme the day before otherwise, you will find that you have
been pushed out of your role and limelight; it is after all a great honour to
be accompanying a chief to these celebrations.
4. Remember to be on your best behaviour, no offhand comment; and cheer as
loudly as you can for every single activity by the Oba or his chiefs. You are
there to show your support for His Majesty and his great Chiefs, so do so very
enthusiastically.
5. Have a good rest each night so you
are refreshed for the next day’s activities and events.
6.Make sure that you manage to visit
all chiefs’ and other people’s houses for some feasting and dancing and take
care to make your presence felt, lavishing praises on their wives and children
when they take the dance floor will not go unnoticed. You might be invited to
join one of the youth clubs after this.
7. Remember that the festival is a time
for observing our religious rituals as well as a time for merry making, feasting,
wining, dining and dancing. It is very important to enjoy yourself.
8. Plan how you will use the nine days
fruitfully to gain the most from all the generosity people will be showing.
This means make the most of it or you could miss out on a freebee. Chiefs
normally give out souvenirs like wooden Ise game boards carved with their images
on it; you could also collect some free spending money they give out as tips or
when you get 'showered' during your dance. Be creative and use your full
imagination during the nine days!
Igue Festival Programme of Events.
Day 1: His
Majesty dresses in his ceremonial robes and sits on the royal throne. His High
ranking chiefs led by the Iyase (the Prime Minister) pay homage to him by
dancing with their Eben emblem. The Ubi ritual of wading off evil spirits takes
place. The Oba blesses all the homes in the kingdom through the Ewere. The Oba
and his chiefs pay homage at our ancestral shrines.
Day 2:
Ritual day. The Efas (the blessings priests) sanctify His Majesty with white
chalk on his forehead . His Majesty blesses the sacrificial items. The high
priest the Isekhure cleanses and slaughters the animals in a special ritual.
His Majesty, his chiefs and members of the palace societies are anointed.
Day 3:
Members of the Royal family, the Princes and Princesses dance to honour His
Majesty and the kingdom.
Day 4:
Free day for community celebrations and activities like masquerades, Feasting,
dining and lots of dancing. Groups of friends and family members visit each
other's houses to enjoy the feast each household has prepared. Spend all day in
merriment, feasting and dancing.
Day 5:
Free day for community celebrations and activities like masquerades, Feasting,
dining and lots of dancing. Groups of friends and family members visit each
other's houses to enjoy the feast each household has prepared. Spend all day in
merriment, feasting and dancing. Visit the houses you haven’t yet.
Day 7:
Free day for community celebrations and activities like masquerades, Feasting,
dining and lots of dancing. Groups of friends and family members visit each
other's houses to enjoy the feast each household has prepared. Spend all day in
merriment, feasting and dancing. Visit the houses you haven’t yet.
Day 8:
Free day for community celebrations and activities like masquerades, Feasting,
dining and lots of dancing. Groups of friends and family members visit each
other's houses to enjoy the feast each household has prepared. Spend all day in
merriment, feasting and dancing. Visit the houses you haven’t yet.
All queries should be directed to the
palace or chiefs.
Have fun!
Palace
news.
Sources: Composed from Benin Bronzes plaques images, oral historical accounts,
present day practices and from my own personal experiences.
Watch video of Igue
festival here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okn1nwnCQBQ&feature=related
Oba Ghato, Okpere!
Ise!
Long Live the King!
No comments:
Post a Comment