Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-22 02:45:00
In 2024, the Zanadranavalona will celebrate the Alahamady from April 9 to 11 in Anosimanjaka, observing all the traditional rituals. This celebration dates back 449 years, since the time of the kingdom of Ralambo.
Can you explain the history of Alahamady?
Alahamady, a secular heritage dating back to the kingdom of Ralambo between 1575 and 1610, is a fundamental celebration in Malagasy culture. Fixed according to the Malagasy calendar, this ritual is associated with the seer Habib, of Arab origin, and often coincides with the end of Ramadan, or Eid-al-Fitr. The Malagasy year, divided into 12 months starting with Alahamady and ending with Alohotsy, follows lunar cycles, which means that the date of Alahamady varies from year to year. This year, it falls on April 10, while in 2025, it will be on March 30. Despite historical vicissitudes, Alahamady, symbol of the fire bringing the new light for the New Year, has been celebrated fervently for 449 years, even during colonial times when its celebration was often prohibited.
What preparations are currently underway?
The preparation of Alahamady is a serious and ritualized affair. At the moment, we are engaging in sanitation activities in Anosimanjaka, our traditional celebration site, in order to welcome our guests dignifiedly. Purification, both physical, spiritual, and moral, is essential, and we are preparing for it with devotion. We will hold the celebration in front of our grandmother’s “Trano manara,” adorned in white and red, symbolizing the leader and the people respectively. Indeed, in the preparation of Alahamady, purity is paramount; thus, even before the start of the festivities, it is essential to ask forgiveness and purify. We also strive to find the “Omby volavita,” whose red color with a white spot is highly symbolic.
What are the rituals associated with Alahamady?
The festivities begin on April 9 with a lantern ceremony symbolizing fire, followed by a zebu purification by water on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning before sunrise. The day of Alahamady, April 10 this year, is marked by a zebu water purification, followed by a blessing with spring water from Ambatondrafotsy, a precious legacy from our grandparents. Traditional speeches, opening with the Antehiroka as tradition dictates, followed by local leaders and ending with representatives of the Zanadranavalona, precede the moment when we offer the “Solombodiakoho” to the “Raiamandreny,” elders over 70 years old, as a sign of respect. The day continues with the “Rakitra” to sanctify the place, and the distribution of zebu meat to share the blessing with everyone. Solidarity is strengthened by the “Nofon-kena mitam-pihavanana,” while cultural celebrations, including the Hira gasy, honor the richness of our Malagasy heritage.
We, the Zanadranavalona, are the proud heirs of Anosimanjaka, where we celebrate our 115th anniversary this year. Faithful guardians of Malagasy tradition, we are the direct descendants of Andriamasinavalona, the children of Ranavalotsimitoviaminandriana, and we proudly perpetuate this royal heritage.
Nicole Rafalimananjara
Read the original article(French) on lexpress.mg
