Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-16 03:33:21
The Kuomboka Ceremony is a revered traditional event for the Lozi people of Western Zambia, set to take place on April 20, 2024. This annual ceremony holds great cultural significance as it marks the migration of the Litunga, the Lozi King, from the floodplains of the Barotse plain to the higher grounds of Limulunga. However, this year’s ceremony will see a deviation from tradition, with the Nalikwanda boat departing from Lealui to Mulamba Harbour in Mongu District, rather than its usual route to Limulunga Harbour.
The Kuomboka Ceremony, which translates to “to get out of water onto higher ground,” symbolizes the transition of the Litunga and his people to their dry-season residence as the Zambezi River’s waters rise during the rainy season. The ceremony begins with the loading of the Litunga, his entourage, and belongings onto the Nalikwanda, a beautifully adorned ceremonial barge. Accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and regalia, the Nalikwanda is paddled through the floodplains by skilled oarsmen, representing the migration of the Litunga.
While the change in the Nalikwanda’s destination has not been officially explained, it is believed to be due to logistical or environmental factors affecting the traditional route. Nonetheless, the essence and cultural importance of the Kuomboka Ceremony remain unchanged, symbolizing unity, continuity, and the resilience of the Lozi people in the face of challenges.
Preparations for the ceremony are already in progress, with communities eagerly anticipating the colorful festivities that will accompany this age-old tradition. Visitors from Zambia and beyond are expected to gather in Mongu District to witness and participate in the cultural spectacle of the Kuomboka Ceremony.
As the date approaches, excitement grows among participants and spectators alike, highlighting the enduring cultural heritage and pride of the Lozi people as they prepare to celebrate another Kuomboka Ceremony, albeit with a slight deviation from tradition.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel Mubukwanu, Chairperson of the National Kuomboka Kufuluhela Committee, stresses the importance of preserving the traditional significance of the ceremony and urges the public to refrain from politicizing this sacred event.
The Kuomboka ceremony, believed to be over 300 years old, takes place at the end of the rainy season as the floodplain in the Upper Zambezi Valley rises. The Litunga signals the exodus by drumming on the Maoma drums, prompting the royal paddlers to gather for the journey. The six-hour paddle from Lealui to Limulunga is a key aspect of the ceremony, with the Litunga traveling on the Nalikwanda, accompanied by numerous paddlers in traditional attire.
The Nalikwanda, adorned with an elephant – the Litunga’s insignia – is propelled through ululations and the sounds of ancient royal drums. The Litunga dons a British admiral’s uniform, gifted by King Edward VII in 1902 in recognition of treaties signed between the Lozi and Queen Victoria.
The Kuomboka Ceremony stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Lozi people, embodying unity, resilience, and continuity through the ages.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
