Tubers of new YamsÂ
By Ifebuche Nnamani
The New Yam Festival is one of the most important and unifying cultural festivals celebrated in Ikem communities of Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State, and by extension, throughout Igbo land. It is a significant annual event that brings together the sons and daughters of Ikem from different parts of the world. In-laws, friends, and well-wishers also return to celebrate this unique cultural heritage.
The New Yam Festival in Ikem is traditionally celebrated on the last Afor Sunday (Uka Afor) of every July. However, in years when there is only one Uka Afor in July, the festival is observed on the first Uka Afor of the month. Fruits & Vegetables
The festival lasts for three to four consecutive days, beginning on Friday, which is Eke market day. On this day, some traditional worshippers harvest their first yams and offer them to their respective deities as a sign of thanksgiving.
Before the yam harvest on Saturday, every household is expected to ensure that its compound is properly cleaned. Any remaining old yams are brought outside in anticipation of the arrival of the new harvest. Traditionally, no one is expected to harvest new yams before the commencement of the New Yam Festival.
Saturday, Orie market day, is devoted primarily to the public harvesting and marketing of new yams. Farmers harvest their crops, and those with substantial yields transport them to the market for sale.
During the market, no other farm produce, including old yams, is allowed to be sold along the section designated for the sale of new yams. This practice symbolizes the honour and respect accorded to yams, which are regarded as the king of all farm crops.
People from neighbouring communities and towns usually visit the market to purchase the new yams. Some buyers also purchase them as gifts for their loved ones. At the end of the sales, the festival organising committee announces the first, second, and third positions for the farmers whose yams are judged to be the biggest. Winners receive gifts as a form of recognition and encouragement for their excellence and productivity in farming. Fruits & Vegetables.
Also on Saturday, the traditional Iwa Ji (New Yam Tasting) ceremony is performed by the Council of Elders, the traditional ruler, and members of his cabinet. During this ceremony, roasted new yams are eaten with kola nuts and pepper sauce as part of the traditional rites.
Various masquerade displays are also staged to entertain residents and visitors throughout the day. Sunday, which is Afor-market day, marks the main celebration of the festival. Every household prepares special meals, especially pounded yams and sometimes rice. The pounded yams are commonly served with egusi soup or vegetable soup, while fresh palm wine forms an essential part of the festive menu.
Later in the evening, traditional worshippers offer sacrifices to Ufiejioku, the deity associated with yams. These sacrifices typically consist of yams, an indigenous fowl, kola nuts, and sometimes drinks, depending on tradition and circumstance.
Families also exchange food gifts with relatives, neighbours, friends, and loved ones as part of the celebration, strengthening communal bonds and promoting unity. On Monday, which is a market-free day, the festival concludes with the famous traditional wrestling competition known as Ote Mgbereke, also known as Ote Oruroezhi.
The wrestling competition is one of the most entertaining aspects of the festival. The wrestling attracts a large audience, including Men, women, and children who gather at the wrestling arena to cheer on the competitors. The contest is mainly organised for young people and children.
Wrestlers are generally paired with opponents of similar age, although there is no official documentation of age. Instead, the organisers rely on physical size and body structure when matching contestants.
Any wrestler who remains undefeated earns the prestigious title of Agu Mgba (Wrestling Champion). Such champions are honoured with the privilege of dancing to Mgbereke, a special traditional music reserved for victorious wrestlers.
Beyond the cultural festivities, the New Yam Festival also promotes community development. Public services such as free medical outreach, food distribution, and other humanitarian activities are often organised during the celebration. Community service projects, including the clearing of roads leading to farms, streams, and rivers, are also carried out to improve the environment and encourage communal participation. Fruits & Vegetables.
The Ikem New Yam Festival (Oruroezhi) remains a symbol of thanksgiving, unity, cultural identity, agricultural prosperity, and community development. It continues to preserve the rich traditions of the people of Ikem-Asokwa while fostering peace, togetherness, and mutual support among its people and visitors alike.
- Jude Ifebuche Nnamani, a native of Umuaram-Ikem, writes from Enugu
