By Bahle Gama
The first stage of the Buganu (Marula) festival will be celebrated next weekend at Buhleni Royal Residence.
This was announced by Indvuna yeLutsango in the Hhohho region Lontfombi Ndzimandze on Saturday afternoon at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The Lutsango Regiment has been summoned by His Majesty King Mswati III for the Buganu ceremony to be held from Friday, February 16 to Sunday, February 18.
ALSO READ: Pictures: Buganu Festival Weekend
According to the leader of the Lutsango Regiment, the women are expected to make their presentations at the Royal Residence on Friday with the main festivities, including singing and dancing on the second day (Saturday) beginning after lunch and on Sunday, the Lutsango Regiment will disperse.
The Buganu ceremony is known among emaSwati as the celebration of the ‘first fruit’ which comes after the Incwala Ceremony. Essentially, this is about cleansing and renewal in a new year.
During the ceremony, women get to network and showcase the various products they produce within their communities. It has over the years evolved into a session where business ideas are shared and markets for products are availed, not only within the premises but beyond the festival itself.
ALSO READ: Throngs of emaSwati join Their Majesties for Incwala
Additionally, the Minister for Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe announced on behalf of Their Majesties that the dress code is a Red cotton Lihiya on Saturday and an Orange Lihiya on Sunday respectively. The Minister also cautioned Lutsango from wearing colourful clothing for uniformity.
His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi’, Royal family, Emabutfo Regiments, the entire Eswatini nation, and international guests from neighbouring countries and abroad will also partake in the ceremony.
The Buganu festival is one of the ceremonies that unite emaSwati through culture, values, traditions, and respect for the monarch.
