(ONA, HARSADII, OROMIA, 4 OCTOBER 2026) — The shores of Lake Harsadii have come alive once again. From the early hours of the morning, waves of people dressed in vibrant traditional attire have been converging on the celebration grounds, their voices rising in song, their hands lifted in gratitude. Africa’s largest Oromo cultural festival — Irreecha — is underway, and the scale of it is nothing short of breathtaking.

Millions have gathered for Irreecha Bishooftuu, the great thanksgiving festival that marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new year in the Oromo calendar. The air is thick with the scent of fresh grass and flowers, the sound of drums, and the unmistakable energy of a people united in celebration.

More Than a Festival

For the Oromo people, Irreecha carries a deeper meaning beyond celebration. It is a powerful symbol of peace, love, reconciliation and unity, bringing together people from different communities and generations.

It is a time to give thanks to Waaqa — God — for the blessings of the past year and to seek favour for the year ahead. It is a time to mend relationships, to forgive, and to renew the bonds that hold the community together. Old and young, rich and poor, from the cities and from the countryside — all stand side by side at the water’s edge, equal before their Creator.

Participants carry fresh green grass and flowers, traditional symbols associated with Irreecha, as they express gratitude and seek blessings for the year ahead. The green stems represent fertility, life, and the enduring hope of a people connected to the land of their ancestors. As they dip their offerings into the water and raise their hands to the sky, the collective prayer of millions rises as one voice.

A Living Heritage

The festival also provides an important platform for preserving and showcasing Oromo language, traditions, music, clothing and cultural heritage.

Throughout the celebration grounds, the richness of Oromo culture is on full display. Women in handwoven garments of red, white, and black walk gracefully through the crowds. Men in traditional shirts and shawls beat drums and blow horns that echo across the water. Poets recite verses in Afaan Oromo, singers perform songs passed down through generations, and elders share stories and wisdom with the young.

For many in the diaspora, Irreecha is a lifeline — a way to stay connected to their roots, to teach their children the language and customs of their people, and to feel part of something larger than themselves. This year, delegations have traveled from across Ethiopia and from countries around the world, including Kenya, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East, to take part in the celebration.

A Message of Peace

As colourful crowds fill the celebration grounds, Irreecha continues to stand as a powerful expression of Oromo identity and cultural pride, while promoting the values of peace, unity and togetherness.

In a region that has known its share of hardship, the message of Irreecha resonates more deeply than ever. The festival is a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and mutual respect. It is a call to reconciliation — between individuals, between communities, and between generations.

“We come here to give thanks, but also to recommit ourselves to peace,” said one elder, standing near the water’s edge. “Irreecha teaches us that we are one people. If we stand together, no force can divide us.”

Organizers emphasized that Irreecha belongs to all Oromo, regardless of where they live or their station in life. The festival’s message, they said, is one that the whole world can learn from: that gratitude, unity, and respect for one’s heritage are the foundations of a strong and peaceful society.

A Celebration That Continues to Grow

Each year, Irreecha grows larger. What began as a traditional thanksgiving ceremony has become a global symbol of Oromo identity and resilience. It is now recognized as one of the largest cultural gatherings in Africa, drawing millions to its shores and capturing the attention of the world.

Yet at its heart, Irreecha remains what it has always been — a simple act of gratitude. A people gathered by the water. Hands raised to the heavens. A prayer for peace.

As the sun sets over Lake Harsadii and the crowds begin their journey home, the spirit of Irreecha goes with them. The green grass may wither, but the blessings sought and the bonds forged will endure until the waters rise again next year.

Happy Irreecha Bishooftuu. May peace, unity, and blessings be upon us all.