PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – The little Incwala has started on a high note as the second day saw the Majesties joining the nation in song and dance at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
His Majesty King Mswati and Her Majesty the Queen Mother joined the event for the first time since it started on Sunday. The ongoing Little Incwala drew big numbers as the nation showed excitement and great commitment to the national event.
The second day saw the nation together with their Majesties kicking off the event with singing and dancing just before 5pm inside the main cattle byre. Other royal family members who participated on the second day included Emakhosikati, bantfwabenkhosi, Emazinyane, Members of Parliament, and Government officials amongst others.
The King is set to lead the nation in this event until he moves on to the other royal residences, with the Queen Mother and Ludzidzini regiments remaining behind at the main royal residence. The King will then commission Ingaja to fetch the sacred shrubs, known as lusekwane, in the coming days. This move will officially mark the end of the little Incwala.
The jubilant and enthusiastic Libutfo danced in song displaying passion for the ceremony which they have long been waiting for.
The Little Incwala usually takes about three days in each Royal Residence being Ludzidzini, Ngabezweni, and Mbangweni. Buhleni Royal Residence usually comes last as it is where His Majesty first commissions the Ingaja from the Hhohho Region who then join the rest (of Ingaja) from the other regions before they are jointly commissioned to cut the Lusekwane.
Furthermore, Incwala takes place in the Royal Kraal for four days from the new harvest after the full moon nearest the summer solstice. Visitors interested in Eswatini culture are always welcome to attend, but are required to respect tradition – ladies wear skirts and men are allowed not to wear hats unless they have traditional headdresses.
The event is a celebration that unites the country, helps gain the blessing of ancestors, sanctifies the kingship, and celebrates the beginning of the harvest season. A sequence of three days culminates on Big Incwala, the major day of the festival, when the feasting and dancing reach a climax, and thousands of people throng the royal parade grounds. The ceremony ends when King Mswati III, in full ceremonial dress, joins his warriors in the traditional dance enters a special sanctuary, and after some traditional rituals, eats the first fruits of the season.
