Ikeji festival is a cultural identity of Arondizuogu, you can’t mention or write about Izuogu without devoting ample time defining IKEJI and its importance to every Izuogu indigen. Just as you can’t deny a fish water so also you can’t deny an Izuogu ‘IKEJI’
During the past several years ndi-Igbo have become more outspoken about their cultural heritage that almost all Igbo festivals, culture or traditions are celebrated outside of Igboland and Izuogu could pride its self as a pioneer.
This trend has brought about awareness, questions about IKEJI and answers readily available from oral traditions
Recommended for you: Popular Skit Maker, Sabinus Welcomes First Child
Bobrisky Convicted For Naira Abuse, To Be Sentenced April 9
Ikeji festival flourishes on Igbo calendar, it starts before the planting season each year (late March to April) and lasts four market days which is a period of one week.
Before the celebration, certain rites are performed that ushers the masquerades to visit the four markets in Igbo calendar each day.
Just like Christmas, shopping is an age-long practice before the celebration. Ikeji festival has also maintained an age-long practice of shopping before the celebration known as ‘EKE-ODU’
The next day, after the rites have being performed graced with the slaughtering of goat which is known as ‘OYE-EGBU GBU’ day, families unite in their various Obi(the residence of the head of the family).
On that same Oyegbu-gbu delicacies are prepared amid chanting of traditional hymns, ranting of young men and the reciting of proverbs by the elderly.
The festive mood is charged when the; chanting, ranting and recitations is absorbed in the air coupled with the introduction of new masquerades.
Afor market day, all the masquerades are visibly seen around the market square dancing, entertaining the teeming crowd in different traditional gestures.
The frenzy atmosphere climaxes on Nkwo day and finally the end is near on Eke day which is the last day of the celebration..
However the celebration tide continues to fade away as individual villages holds mini- celebration.
Just as human wants are insatiable, the propensity for IKEJI among all and sundry in Izuogu is insatiable.
Amid the frenzy associated with IKEJI festival, the build up or its preparation provides an opportunity for people from diverse background to meet, socialize and establish relationships built on experience that they share.
Ikeji has helped to preserve the cultural heritage of Ndi- Izuogu through consistent planning, the spirit of togetherness that attracts igbos in diversity.
Let’s go frenzy again from 5th, 9th to 13th April 2024.
IKEJI CULTURAL FESTIVITY has gone a long way in announcing Arondizuogu as a people and uniting like minded people and communities within the ranks and files of Igbo Land, whose quest for cultural renascence is unperturbed.
A big appreciation to you all (the conglomerate of your establishment) for projecting the cultural heritage of IZUOGU na IHEMEGHIONYE, a legacy left behind by our heroes past , which aura has lingered and will continue to make hays.
Kudos!