The OGHU festival is a traditional festival celebrated by the Umuaka people in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
It is a homecoming event that promotes peace, harmony, and goodwill among the people. It is celebrated between June and August every year, after the planting and weeding seasons. The festival features various activities such as kolanut breaking, incantations, blessings, masquerade displays, acrobatic dances, and feasting. The festival also attracts tourists, visitors, and the Umuaka diaspora.
The History and Origin of the OGHU Festival
The OGHU festival has a long and rich history that dates back to the ancient times. According to oral tradition, the OGHU festival originated from the riverine area of Oguta, where the people living there used to worship and appease a water spirit called OGWUGWU. The OGWUGWU spirit was believed to control the forces of nature and demand sacrifices and worship from its devotees. It was also associated with fertility, wealth, protection, and healing. Some people believed that OGWUGWU could give them spiritual children or spouses who would serve the spirit and its interests.
The people of Oguta had a special drumming and dancing style that they used to communicate with the OGWUGWU spirit. They also had elaborate costumes and masks that they wore during their rituals and ceremonies. These costumes and masks were made of animal skins, feathers, shells, beads, and other materials. They also had different types of masquerades that represented different aspects of the OGWUGWU spirit.
The people of Umuaka clan, who are descendants of Akpu Njaba, migrated from Oguta to their present location many years ago. They brought with them the culture and tradition of their ancestors, including the worship of OGWUGWU and the celebration of the OGHU festival. However, over time, they modified some aspects of their culture to suit their new environment and circumstances. For instance, they replaced some of the animal skins and shells with fabrics and metals. They also incorporated some elements from other neighboring cultures, such as the Ikwo Apkpu OHA AKPU masquerade from Ebonyi State.
The Significance and Symbolism of the OGHU Festival
The OGHU festival is a significant event in the life of the Umuaka people. It is a time to celebrate their cultural heritage and identity. It is also a time to honor their ancestors and thank them for their blessings and protection. It is also a time to foster unity and solidarity among the people and resolve any conflicts or disputes that may have arisen during the year.
The OGHU festival is also a time to showcase the artistic and creative talents of the Umuaka people. The masquerade displays are one of the highlights of the festival. The masquerades are divided into two categories: male and female. The male masquerades are usually fierce and aggressive, while the female masquerades are gentle and graceful. The male masquerades include:
- Ogwu Ekpeye: This is a tall masquerade that wears a long robe made of raffia palm fibers. It has a large head with horns and a long tail. It represents the power and authority of OGWUGWU.
- Ogwu Nsi: This is a short masquerade that wears a colorful costume made of fabrics and metals. It has a small head with feathers and bells. It represents the wealth and prosperity of OGWUGWU.
- Ogwu Ani: This is a medium-sized masquerade that wears a black costume made of animal skins. It has a round head with cowries and mirrors. It represents the protection and healing of OGWUGWU.
The female masquerades include:
- Agwunsi: This is a beautiful masquerade that wears a white costume made of lace and beads. It has a round head with flowers and ribbons. It represents the fertility and beauty of OGWUGWU.
- Ezenwanyi: This is an elegant masquerade that wears a red costume made of silk and gold. It has a cone-shaped head with pearls and crystals. It represents the royalty and dignity of OGWUGWU.
- Afo: This is a playful masquerade that wears a yellow costume made of cotton and bronze. It has a flat head with stars and moons. It represents the joy and happiness of OGWUGWU.
The masquerades perform various dances accompanied by drums, flutes, gongs, rattles, whistles, and songs. The dances are meant to entertain, educate, praise, and appease the OGWUGWU spirit and the people. The dances also depict the history, culture, and values of the Umuaka people.
The Challenges and Opportunities of the OGHU Festival
The OGHU festival is a cherished tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, in recent times, the festival has faced some challenges and threats. Some of these challenges include:
- Christianity: Many Umuaka people have converted to Christianity and abandoned their traditional religion and practices. Some Christians view the OGHU festival as a pagan and idolatrous event that should be avoided or abolished. They also discourage their children from participating in or learning about the festival.
- Modernization: Many Umuaka people have moved to urban areas and adopted modern lifestyles and values. They have lost touch with their roots and culture. They also have little interest or time to attend or support the festival.
- Poverty: Many Umuaka people are poor and struggle to meet their basic needs. They have little resources or incentives to invest in or sponsor the festival. They also face difficulties in accessing or maintaining the materials and equipment needed for the festival.
These challenges pose a serious threat to the survival and continuity of the OGHU festival. However, there are also some opportunities and prospects for the festival. Some of these opportunities include:
- Tourism: The OGHU festival is a unique and attractive event that can draw tourists, visitors, and investors from within and outside Nigeria. The festival can generate revenue and create employment for the Umuaka people. It can also promote the image and reputation of the Umuaka clan and Imo State in general.
- Education: The OGHU festival is a rich source of knowledge and information that can educate the Umuaka people and others about their history, culture, and values. The festival can also inspire creativity and innovation among the Umuaka people, especially the youth. It can also foster intercultural dialogue and understanding among different groups of people.
- Preservation: The OGHU festival is a valuable heritage that can be preserved and transmitted to future generations. The festival can also be documented and archived for posterity. It can also be adapted and modified to suit changing times and circumstances.
The OGHU festival is a cultural treasure that deserves to be celebrated and cherished by the Umuaka people and others. It is a festival that reflects the identity, diversity, and unity of the Umuaka clan. It is a festival that honors the past, celebrates the present, and anticipates the future.
