LESSON FOR TODAY- 060220- ODWIRA FESTIVAL

Today's lesson is on "ODWIRA FESTIVAL" impressions of the people of Akuapem and other communities of Eastern Ghana.

The word "ODWIRA" in Akan Akuapem language means to Cleanse or Purification. Therefore the festival is a period of purification and cleansing. The festival celebrates the ancient historic victory over the powerful Ashanti Kingdom in 1826 during the Ghana's ( then Gold Coast) time of inter-tribal warfare for expansion, land and natural resources.

ODWIRA @ SUHUM

POURING OF LIBATION AND AFRICAN HOLY PRAYERS

AFRICAN ANCIENT HOLY PRAYERS

THE DURBAR WHERE CHIEFS AND ELDERS SIT IN STATE

NOTE THE CEREMONIAL WHITE STOOLS

ONE OF THE SPECIAL CEREMONIAL ACTS IS THE ART OF GREETINGS EXCHANGED BY THE CHIEFS AND ELDERS

NOTE THE RICH GOLD ORNAMENTS

A GROUP OF QUEENMOTHERS WITH COLORFUL COSTUMES

NOTE THE DIFFERENT COLORS AND DESIGNS OF UMBRELLAS

THE CHIEF SURROUNDED BY THE HORN BRASS PLAYER, THE LINGUIST STAFF AND THE UMBRELLA CARRIER

The festival takes place in the second week of September every year where the week end is the climax where colorful display of the rich heritage, rituals and culture expressions become the order of the day.

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FOLKLIFE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM-GHANAIAN ROYAL ARTS AND FOLK EXPRESSIONS

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