Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-04-11 02:45:00
Yesterday, during the celebration of Alahamady at Anosimanjaka, the Zanadranavalona of Anosimanjaka, as well as other places like Ambatofahavalo and Ambohimanga, honored the day of Alahamady.
Embedded in the list of Malagasy heritage, yesterday the vibrant air of ancestral rituals permeated various corners of Imerina, especially at Anosimanjaka, where the Zanadranavalona, guardians of the tradition left by King Ralambo, honored Alahamadibe.
This day was marked by a deep dive into the rituals of this celebration that dates back 449 years, since the era of the kingdom of Ralambo. “We are currently in the year 463 according to the Malagasy calendar, as a Gregorian year can contain two Alahamady, like in the year 2000 in January and December, and in 2033, the Alahamady will be in January and December according to the Alimanaka calendar, beginning with Alamahady and ending with Alohotsy. This ritual is associated with the seer Habib, of Arab origin, and often coincides with the end of Ramadan or Eid al-Fitr,” explained Eddie Alain Ravelonarivo, president of Zanadranavalona. In Anosimanjaka, the festivities were grand. More than four hundred people gathered in front of the “Tranomanara” of Ranavalotsimitoviaminandriana, their “Nenibe.” Among the guests were the deputy of Ambohidratrimo Mamy Rabenirina and the heirs of the kings, testifying to the importance of this event.
Symbolic act
The ceremony began with the “Misandratr’andro,” inaugurated according to the tradition of King Andriamasinavalona by the Antehiroka, given priority before the king’s speech. The president of Zanadranavalona then blessed the guests for this new year of Alahamady and then led the purification of three zebus “Omby volavita” with water from the Ambatondrafotsy spring, a symbolic act that marked the day.
The moment of blessing was celebrated during the “Hasina,” where offerings were made to Alahamadibe, blessing all present, even the local populations. The day ended with the “Nofonkena mitam-pihavanana,” where music, Afindrafindrao dances, and Malagasy songs set the tone for the celebration. Each person left with zebu meat, a symbol of the shared blessing in every home.
In Anosimanjaka, the celebration of Alahamady ends today with a performance of Hira Gasy by two troupes, delighting all participants. Other places also celebrated Alahamadibe, including Ambatofahavalo, Ambohimanga, and many others, thus infusing a vibrant breath of tradition and culture throughout Imerina and across the country.
Nicole Rafalimananjara
Read the original article(French) on lexpress.mg
