HUNDREDS of regiments converged at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence on the fourth day of the Little Incwala ceremony, joining Their Majesties in prayer, song and traditional dance as the annual national ceremony continues.
The ceremony, led by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, saw the nation united in vibrant displays of culture, with men and women dressed in traditional regalia, singing age-old songs and performing dances that have been passed down through generations.
Cabinet ministers and senior government officials were also present including Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, members of Liqoqo led by Chairman Paul Dlamini, who joined the nation in honouring the distinctive event.
The Incwala ceremony, held annually, is regarded as one of the most important cultural events in the country.
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Often referred to as the ‘festival of the first fruit’, it is a time when the nation gathers to give thanks to God and the ancestors for blessings received, to seek spiritual renewal and to reaffirm unity under the Monarchy.
On day four, Ludzidzini Royal Residence was filled with colour and pride as warriors displayed their traditional attire, some of which carries deep family history. Several participants revealed that their regalia was more than 30 years old, having been inherited from their forefathers.
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Mgotjana Zwane of Mlindazwe said the umdada he was clad in once belonged to his grandfather, Sigodvo Zwane.
“The regalia belonged to my grandfather, who used it for about 20 years. I took ownership after his passing in 2003 and I have been using it for the past four years,” said Zwane.
He explained that the attire had been kept at his grandfather’s lilawu and was preserved as a symbol of family heritage and pride.
Zwane added that traditional regalia was often passed from generation to generation because of its cultural value and the high cost of acquiring new attire.
Similarly, Melumbutfo Zwane from Mpuluzi said he inherited his regalia from his father, Phumelumbutfo, who had it for more than 15 years.
“Since my father handed it over to me, I have been using it for six years now, attending every Incwala ceremony with Their Majesties,” he said.
