Chiefs and other dignitaries present at the festival
There are several festivals around the globe that are arranged by local communities, fixating on some theme, now and then on some unique aspect of the community. For such a long time, there are some renowned festivals in Ghana, that have somewhat ‘covered up’ other lovely and exciting festivals that could have additionally be perceived both in Ghana and beyond the country.
One of such occasions is the Millet Festival that culminates in a parade of drummers, palanquin-riding leaders, and lively colours by the people of Odumase Krobo in Ghana.
The Millet Festival held in Krobo Odumase, in the Krobo area of eastern Ghana, started as a festival of the reap. Millet (ngma) was a staple of the agrarian community’s eating routine hundreds of years ago.
At the point when the yields were collected, farmers would unwind and mingle, local Kings would assemble to talk about legislative issues, and priests would shower millet upon the people as an offer of thriving.
The festival was revived by a local leader in 1944 to empower community pride and solidify civic and religious convictions. Millet, in any case, is not, at this point a dietary staple. The few millet farms that remain produce their crops mainly for religious ceremonies.
Corn and cassava have become the crops of choice for Krobo diets, with vegetables a distant third. Although the name “millet” remains (Ngmayem is the festival’s name in the local language), the event has become a cultural and political seven-day celebration
The festival now takes place the last weekend of every October. It culminates with the Guami yam, the grand durbar, or gathering, of local kings, chiefs, nine queen mothers, invited guests, and the people in a small courtyard at Oklemekuku Park (a famous grounds). The procession begins with the entrance of drummers and lesser chiefs, shielded from the fierce sun by huge sunshades.
Higher-ranking chiefs follow, decked in more elaborate robes, jewelry, and the glass beads for which the area is famous. The most important chiefs and the konor, or paramount chief, are carried in palanquins on the shoulders of chosen subjects. They are accompanied by sunshades, drummers, white-robed priests, and the all-important stool carriers (the elaborate stools are equivalent to thrones).
At the point when all dignitaries have entered the patio, willing subjects and lucky foreign guests are permitted to kiss the ring of the konor as he sits on his stool. At that point, the priest throw a sprinkling of millet to the group, the drummers continue their drumming, observers move euphorically, and the function is ended but not entirely over in light of the fact that, there are other intriguing activities that encompasses the event, and furthermore cements the celebration.
In spite of the fact that the festival celebrates the harvest, no food or drink is served. However, bringing filtered water is strongly allowed. The Millet Festival pulls in huge number of people from varying backgrounds to observe the simple but attractive occasion.
The Chiefs and his elders dress delightfully to Grace the event, while the people of Krobos gather to be a part of the event. The festival has been in presence for an exceptionally prolonged stretch of time, and has reliably been celebrated to date.
