8th Akwasidae Festival Observed

The 8th Akwasidae festival of the year has been observed yesterday, November 13, 2022, at the Manhyia Palace with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II sitting in state.

The Asantehene celebrated the 8th Akwasidae together with Chiefs and Elders of the Kumasi Traditional Council at a mini-durbar held inside the palace.

The festival glorifies the milestones in the history of the Asante Kingdom. Its first celebration was during the attainment of statehood by the Asante kingdom after it defeated the Denkyiras in the battle of Feyiase, also known as the Asante Independence War. During the festival, the rich cultural heritage of the Asante people is all shown up to attract local and foreign visitors.

The traditions of the Akwasidae Festival are connected with the Akan annual calendar. The calendar is divided into 9 parts. Each part lasts approximately six weeks (between 40–42 days in a period). The celebration of this period is called the Adae Festival.

The Adae Festival has two celebration days: the Akwasidae Festival which is celebrated on the final Sunday of the period and the Awukudae Festival which is celebrated on a Wednesday within the period. The Friday preceding 10 days to the Akwasidae is called the Fofie which means a ritual Friday.

In attendance yesterday were Nananom, Stakeholders, Government appointees, foreign dignitaries among others.

Lordina Serwaa Agyapong, the winner of this year’s Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge, and the other four finalists were presented to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the occasion by Otumfuo Hiahene, who also serves as Chairman of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation.

The festival was also celebrated by the Paramount Chiefs in the Asante Kingdom in their various individual states.

On December 25, 2022, the final Akwasidae festival of the year will take place. The occasion will be recognised as Akwasidae Kesie.

Source: Opemsuo.com/ Emmanuel Owusu Anti