History of Abura Dunkwa Odumkwaa Festival
Indeed, among the Akan people of Ghana, festivals are given a special place in the organization of social life, because there is a general consciousness of their potential as vehicles for communicating or affirming the bonds of values of society and for strengthening broken relationship to promote cohesion as a prerequisite for development.
The Fante concept of a festival therefore is that of a communal celebration in which members of society participate on different levels. These Fante festivals originated in many different ways. There were festival inspired by issues that were party political and economic, and partly religious.
For instance, the Bakatue of Elmina, the Fetu Afahye of Oguaa, the Odambea of the Nkusukum people all Centre around the story of Deity. They socialize and dramatize sacred myths or legends or actual historical episodes.
GENESIS AND ESSENCE OF ODUMKWAA FESTIVAL
This festival originally known as the “ABANGYE” or Akwambo festival centers around Nana Dunkwa, the local deity, and his wife Nana Tonton who protect the people of Abura Dunkwa.
"ABANGYE” as the name implies means “protecting their cultural Heritage through observance of sacrilegious practices” such as pouring libation and socialization whereby participants March in different groups with palm-front through the streets.
They thus, dramatize the essence of use of palm-fronds which according to historic account where used to fence round their homes in the olden days which helped protected them against wild animals.
Like any other Akan Festival, the Odumkwaa Afahye is also a celebration in remembrance of our progenitors, the gods of the land by pouring libation to them thereby invoking their blessings.
On this occasion, reveals dress in their native costume accompany by Nkum Asafo Company March with palm-fronds through the streets of the town. They visit some of the major streams in the town, including Nana Tonton for further rituals amidst drumming, dancing and singing. They normally sing the popular song such as “Hom mma yembo ose” which literally translate Ashley we rejoice and celebrate the victory over our enemies “which we have today as “Yaa mo se”.
Source: djqwequwadup.com
