Times Of Swaziland: THOUSANDS DANCE MAIN INCWALA

THOUSANDS DANCE MAIN INCWALA
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Sibusiso Shange and Nonduduzo Kunene on 19/12/2024 08:29:00


LUDZIDZINI - Thousands of emaSwati yesterday gathered inside the Ludzidzini
Cattle Byre for the main Incwala Ceremony.
Incwala Ceremony is the most significant cultural event, which brings emaSwati
in one accord at the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, for the celebration of the harvest
of the first fruit.
The nation also celebrates the existence of peace and stability since the
country gained its independence from Britain in 1968. It is in this event that
the nation thanks God and ancestors for the gift of life and seeks His guidance
and protection during the course of the new year.
The event saw emaSwati joined by other nations of the world, some of who were
represented by the ambassadors in the country. Clad in their traditional
attires, emaSwati started arriving at the main royal residence as early as 8am
and waited for the blowing of the trumpet. Worth noting is that a trumpet is
used to communicate orders during cultural activities in the country.  The first
trumpet, which saw warriors preparing themselves, was blown at around 2pm. The
warriors proceeded to the cattle byre immediately after the second trumpet. They
were followed by the guard of honour, which marched and assembled in front of
the cattle byre, shortly before the arrival of His Majesty King Mswati III. At
that time, members of the public who anticipated seeing the King had positioned
themselves.
Public
The King arrived at around 3pm and sang the national anthem, before he inspected
the guard of honour. Members of the public, who had an opportunity to see the
King, shouted ‘Bayethe’, as they saw the King from a distance. The head of
state then sang the national anthem and proceeded to the cattle byre, where he
inspected the regiments before greeting the diplomats. After greeting the
diplomats, the King proceeded to the regiments, marking the start of the main
Incwala Ceremony. Among the distinguished guests who attended the occasion were
chiefs, diplomats and individual tourists. The Incwala ceremony holds immense
cultural significance for the nation, symbolising the renewal of the kingdom and
the strengthening of the bond between the king and his people.