BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – The Little Incwala has moved from Mpumalanga Royal Residence to Buhleni Royal Residence.
The certain developments suggest that the main Incwala day is fast approaching; this means that at any time His Majesty King Mswati III will summon regiments from all the four royal residencies to assembly at Ngabezweni Royal Residence.
This will be done in readiness for the commissioning of Ingatja to fetch the sacred shrub (lusekwane) and the red leaves (imbondvo).
Incwala is the main ritual of kingship in the Kingdom of Eswatini. This is a national event that takes place during the summer solstice. The main participant in Incwala is the King.
When there is no king there is no Incwala. Incwala takes place over a period of time of about a month, starting with incwala lencane, and culminating in incwala lenkhulu. A number of activities such as lusekwane, kuhlamahlama, and umdvutjulwa mark the key events of this age old tradition.
Culturally, the commissioning of Ingatja, which is determined by the phase of the moon, takes place during the full moon.
Commissioned According to Moon Giant, the next full moon will be on January 6, 2023. If the information sourced from the website is anything to go by, it means Ingatja is likely to be commissioned on the day.
Libutfo will move to Ngabezweni Royal Residence after the King has dispatched bafana belusekwane (Ingatja.
Meanwhile, preparations for commissioning of Ingatja to fetch the sacred shrubs (lusekwane) are at an advanced stage, this is because Tindvuna from southern Hhohho will today meet at Ludzidzini Royal Residence over the upcoming Incwala logistics. The Tindvuna include inner council Tindvuna, warriors, Tindvuna from each region.
