By Nokuzola Thwala | 2019-12-17

THRONGS of Emaswati joined His Majesty the Ingwenyama, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and the Royal family for the Main Incwala Day at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Sunday.

The Incwala Main Day was declared by His Majesty the King on Thursday when he commissioned ingaja and libutfo Ngengeni to cut Lusekwane sacred shrub. This was after the Little Incwala had started almost three weeks ago on November 27. Emaswati braved the high temperatures to dance with and also before the Ingwenyama and Indlovukazi during the national prayer. Other than Emaswati, the ceremony that took about four hours attracted diplomats, envoys and tourists.

Signalling

Licilongo, the traditional trumpet was blown at around 3pm signalling that emabutfo could start dancing. They were joined by Emaswati who started arriving at the traditional headquarters before noon.

The dancing of Incwala by emabutfo continued until they were joined by sigodlo; Indlovukazi, Emakhosikati, Emazinyane, Balondolozi and other Royal members.

As the dancing continued, Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) prepared for His Majesty the King’s arrival, which took place just before 5pm. Upon arrival, the King inspected the Guard of Honour flanked by libutfo and his bodyguards. The county’s National Anthem was also played by royal band. The King then entered the cattle byre still surrounded by libutfo as the National Anthem was played again.

Nothing could have prepared anyone for the cheerful, friendly and exuberant welcome expressed by Emaswati inside the cattle byre, as there were whistles from all angles and praise singers did what they know when Hhili kaHhili entered the cattle byre.

The King exchanged pleasant greetings with diplomats then libutfo as he moved inside the cattle byre alongside umkhumbi.

Thereadter, His Majesty joined in the singing of Incwala songs and danced.

More whistles and praise singers were heard at different intervals of the dancing, as libutfo showed appreciation of His Majesty the King’s presence, while the pace of the Incwala increased to another level.

The dancing continued until emabutfo retired to rest around seven in the evening, where they were preparing for another dance to take place later in the evening.

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