Ireecha Festival
Irreecha is a chain of rituals performed to plead with and also extend gratitude to the creator. There are two major annual celebrations; Irreecha Tulu (of hilltop) and Irreecha Malka (of lakeside). The former is held during the dry season to plead with Waaqa (the creator) for, among other things, rain and good agricultural produce. The latter is a thanksgiving ritual that is held when the rainy season is over. Irreecha Malka is a transition to the sunlight and season of harvest, it is a time when the rivers and streams settle and communication among relatives and friends resumes.
Irreecha has an important role in reconciliation, unifying the Oromo people and promoting their culture, custom, beliefs system.
Irreechaa is also a historic festival which brings together all the main clans and sub clans of the Oromo. It has helped build their common values and shared visions, and consolidated peace, tolerance and resilience.
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