Africa-Press – Eswatini. It’s time for Imbali to dust their sneakers and prepare for this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony as the King has spoken.
His Majesty King Mswati III has summoned Imbali from the four regions of the country to Ludzidzini Royal Residence for the annual cultural event.
Through Inkhosatana yeMbali Princess Sakhizwe, the King said Imbali would be expected at the royal residence on August 29, 2023 for registration. Princess Sakhizwe said the maidens would proceed to Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where they would be commissioned to fetch the reed in places that are yet to be announced by the King on August 30, 2023. She said on August 31, 2023, Imbali would proceed to the swamps to fetch the reed. On September 1, 2023, she said the maidens would bring the reed from their various places to Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Maidens
She said on September 2, 2023, the maidens would take a rest at Ludzidizni Royal Residence in readiness to deliver the reed on September 3, 2023.
September 4, 2023, has been scheduled for the main dance. The princess stated that Imbali would remain for the upcoming King’s birthday Independence Day celebrations. Umhlanga is one of Eswatini’s cultures aimed at encouraging the girl child to preserve her virginity until marriage. The event affords the maidens an opportunity to showcase their chastity before Their Majesties and the entire world.
Chiefs were also warned against releasing very young children due to scarcity of the reed at the nearby places. This, the princess said, was because the very young children would not be able to travel to the far places. The chiefs were warned to ensure that their subjects did not harm the regiment in any way. “Chiefs will be held liable for any subject who might harm the regiment. Men are aware that they will sleep separately from the maidens,” she said.
Sequence of this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony:
l August 29, 2023: Registration
l August 30, 2023: Commissioning
l September 1, 2023: Fetching of the reed
l September 2, 2023: Reed brought back to Ludzidzini Royal Residence
l September 3, 2023: Delivery of the reed at Ludzidzini Royal Residence
l September 4, 2023: Umhlanga holiday
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