From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The convivial spirit that comes with Onwa Oru Uratta Festival was rekindled at the last edition of the age-long cultural event.
It was hosted February 11, by the National President General of Uratta Development Association (UDA), Stanley Ukaga and took place at Orie Uratta Market Square.
Chaired by Chief Uzoma Obinna, it attracted an array of dignitaries including captains of industry, clan heads, Presidents General of the town unions of Ofo-Asato Mba-Iri, Nde Oha, and Uratta Development Association members, as well as indigenes and custodians of culture in the entire Uratta communities.
National President Mgboto Uratta Global, Nkiru Olivia Ijeoma, was one of the eminent people at the festival. She extolled the traditional ruler of Obibi Uratta, Eze Boniface Ariri for his selfless and all-inclusive style of leadership.
Ijeoma said that Eze Ariri has shown capacity and maturity in handing the socioeconomic and cultural values and traditions of Uratta people.
She also called for peace, unity and progress among indigenes of Uratta clan, declaring that Mgboto Uratta Global will continue to support and partner with Uratta Development Association and other good-spirited sons and daughters, towards the development of the clan.
Eze Ariri expressed happiness on the year’s event. He described the Onwa-Oru festival as a cultural celebration marking not only the beginning of the farming season of rich heritage and history of Uratta Ofor Asato but also serves as a reflection of the unity, resilience, and vibrancy that the people of Uratta stand for.
He further said that the festival was also marked to sustain the traditions passed down from generation to generation by their forefathers, noting that the year’s event was unique.
The monarch pledged his continual support to his subjects even as he showered blessings on them. He said that the milestone in Uratta cultural calendar was a testament to the collective strength and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.
According to an abridged history of Onwa Oru Uratta festival, the announcement of the date for the festival marks the beginning of a new planting season and the abstinence from rancour, quarrel, fight, and mourning. The season is a harbinger for reconciliation. During this season, peace and tranquillity reign in all constituent communities of Uratta land, as funerals are also forbidden.
Daily Sun gathered that once the date (usually on Orie-Ukwu day) is fixed by Onyeishi-ala Uratta, nde-oha Uratta will go to all traditional rulers to inform them and collect ego ishi-opi.
On the day of Onwa Oru festival, every constituent community is expected to fire cannon shots (egbe ishi-ala) to announce the big event.