Embracing Unity Tradition And Culture: Asanteman Celebrates Third Akwasidae Of 2023 With Grandeur
Story by: Samuel K. Owusu
On Sunday, April 30, 2023, Asanteman, the cultural heartland of the Ashanti people, observed the third Akwasidae of the year 2023. Akwasidae is an important cultural and religious festival celebrated every six weeks (42 days) by the Ashanti people, who are the largest ethnic group in Ghana.
The festival is a time of spiritual renewal, cultural expression, and community bonding, and is marked by elaborate rituals, dancing, drumming, and other performances
Kwame Ahenfie and the cultural dancers
Kwame Ahenfie, dancing the Adowa dance in front of Otumfour
The Akwasidae festival is held to honour the ancestors and to ask for their blessings on the people of Asanteman. The festival also celebrates the Asantehene, who is the king of the Ashanti people and a symbol of their unity and strength. During the festival, the Asantehene sits on a throne, and the people pay homage to him by offering gifts and performing traditional dances and songs
Notable personalities who attended the event included the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who was joined by NDC Party Executives, and NPP Party Executives, among others. The presence of these notable personalities underscores the significance of the Akwasidae festival and its importance in Ghanaian culture and tradition
Former President John Dramani Mahama
The festival begins with a ceremonial procession led by the Asantehene and his entourage. The sound of traditional drums, horn blowers, and chants fill the air as the procession moves through the streets of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. The vibrant display of cultural dances, performed by various groups, adds to the lively atmosphere
The Procession Of The Paramount Chiefs (Amanhene)
During the festival, traditional priests and priestesses offer prayers and perform rituals to honour the ancestors and seek their guidance and protection. These rituals involve pouring libations, offering sacrifices, and reciting incantations. The spiritual significance of the Akwasidae festival is deeply rooted in the Ashanti people's belief in the spiritual world and their connection to their ancestors
The Akwasidae festival provides a valuable opportunity for Ghanaians to celebrate their cultural heritage and traditions, and to reflect on the country's history and identity. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, respect, and community spirit, which are fundamental values in Ghanaian culture.
In conclusion, the Akwasidae festival is an important cultural and religious event in Ghana, and the third Akwasidae of 2023 was a significant and momentous occasion for the people of Asanteman and the Ashanti Kingdom. The festival brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and honour their heritage. The presence of notable personalities such as John Dramani Mahama, NDC Party Executives, and NPP Executives, underscores the festival's importance and its place in Ghanaian culture and tradition.
The festival provides an opportunity for Ghanaians to celebrate their cultural heritage and to reflect on their history and identity, while also emphasizing the values of unity, respect, community spirit, and the spiritual connection to ancestors. The Akwasidae festival remains an integral part of Ghanaian culture and tradition, and its significance will continue to be celebrated and honoured for generations to come
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