If we aspire to enhance the contribution of agriculture to our economic growth, it is imperative to modernize our agricultural practices and broaden the range of available products. In the Oromia Regional State, the export of over 100 million quintals of wheat to global markets each year is a remarkable achievement. Various initiatives have yielded impressive results by diversifying agricultural crops like avocados, bananas, and tea leaves, turning them into valuable commodities. Notably, the avocado production initiative has significantly increased output and become a significant source of foreign currency. To ensure the success of the region's banana production project, selected banana seeds are being developed through tissue culture and made accessible to the public. With more than 7,000 banana plants already cultivated on over 2,000 hectares of land, an estimated 2.5 million more are expected to be planted this year. These programs are providing our farmers with new productio
Irreecha: The Oromo Festival of Gratitude and Unity
Irreecha is a revered Oromo festival that embodies thanksgiving and prayer. During this festive occasion, people don traditionally adorned clothes and carry wet grass in their hands. As they descend to the river or climb the hills, the mother of the Gola leads the way with a Siinqee in hand, pouring Caaccuu, chanting "mareewoo, yaa mareehoo." The Abba Gada follows, accompanied by a Bokkuu and an armed Kallacha led by the Abba Dula, while girls and young people join in with joyful singing and dancing.
This cherished festival holds a significant place in Oromo culture, and it is celebrated during both the Spring and Autumn seasons on hills and mountains.
Types of Irreechaa
While Irreecha is celebrated in various locations, the main events occur at Irreecha Tulluu (Hill Festival) and Irreecha Malkaa (Rivers Festival).
A. Irreecha Tulluu - Hill Festival (Spring Festival)
The Spring Festival, also known as the Hill Festival, takes place when the monsoon ends, and people expect the April rains. Preceding months may have experienced drought and famine, so in mid-February, families head to cool, wetlands to pray for spring rains. This mountain prayer is believed to have roots in the ancient Cush worship religion, and Cuqqala Hill serves as a significant location.
B. Irreecha Malkaa - Rivers Festival (Autumn Festival)
The Autumn Festival, also called the Malka Festival, occurs at the end of summer, in the spring, or mid-February (22-25). Irreecha's day is known as the "Autumn Festival or the Opening of the Sword." People gather on hills and mountains, celebrating the occasion as a joyous reunion for those previously separated by floods. They come together on both sides of the hill, exclaiming "Marewoo!... Marewoo!" as they proceed to the rivers, praying, singing, and expressing gratitude to God.
At Irreecha Malkaa, blessings are offered by the Abba Malka and elders, followed by holding wet grass and spring apples, touching them with water as an act of gratitude. The prayers seek rain, peace, and prosperity, and they also hope for abundant harvests and prosperity for their children. Many Oromo families settle in the mountains with their cattle during this time, marking the beginning of the new year.
Harsade Lake (Hora Harsadee)
Hora Harsadee holds historical significance as a place where the Tulama Oromo have celebrated for centuries. The name "Arsadii" originates from a person named Abba Malka of the Liiban clan, who miraculously survived life-threatening circumstances after fasting for three days under a birch tree. In remembrance and worship of this event, they venerate Birbirsi, and Hora Arsadii has become a central location for Irreecha celebrations among the Tulama Oromo. Today, Hora Arsadii is celebrated annually.
Irreecha: A Celebration of Peace and Unity
Irregularities require purification of the mind and heart, urging people to set aside hatred and animosity. It is customary for the congregation to pray and bless the "Black Heart of the Slave," extending their hands in reverence to the Creator of heaven and earth. The festival teaches the value of upholding divine and natural laws, promoting harmony and coexistence in the world.
Spring signifies admiration for the Creator's craftsmanship, transitioning from darkness to light, from summer to spring, from frost to ripeness. The festival embodies a day of light and blessings, as they marvel at the wonders of nature, praising the Creator with chants of "Mareehoo, Mareehoo."
Irreecha fosters brotherhood and unity, reflecting the principles of the Gada system. It encourages collaboration, support, and the pursuit of justice, emphasizing love, friendship, and peaceful coexistence. This beautiful tradition unites people of different ethnic backgrounds and transcends borders, with not only Ethiopians but international tourists also partaking in the celebrations.
As a nation and a people, our culture is rich in tradition and wisdom. Our cultural and religious systems promote tolerance, respect, and the art of listening to one another. It encourages love and peace instead of sorrow and hatred. Life, guided by principles and morality, urges us to act heroically rather than betraying our values.
During Irreecha, let us leave behind animosity and embrace peace. As we celebrate this festival, let us also celebrate our shared humanity, treating each other with dignity and understanding. Let us appreciate the beauty of nature and give thanks to the Creator for the blessings we receive. Irreecha is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of our identity, unity, and the spirit of brotherhood that binds us all together as one people.
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