By Dennis Agbo
New Yam Festival is one of the most important and unifying cultural festivals celebrated in Ikem and by extension, throughout Igbo land. It is a significant annual event that brings together the sons and daughters of the community from different parts of the world.
In-laws, friends, and well-wishers also return to celebrate this unique cultural heritage. Last week, communities that make up Ikem-Asokwa in Isi-Uzo Council Area of Enugu State celebrated theirs, called Oruroezhi.
A custodian of the community tradition, Engr. Ifebuche Nnamani narrated to SEV that the New Yam Festival in Ikem is traditionally celebrated on the last Afor Sunday (Uka-Afor) of every July, but that in years when there is only one Uka-Afor in July, the festival is observed on the first Uka Afor of the month.
Nnamani said that the festival lasts for three to four consecutive days, beginning on Friday, which is Eke market day; a day that some traditional worshippers harvest their first yams and offer them to their respective deities as a sign of thanksgiving.
