BATO, October 6, 2018 – The West Arsi district is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its rivers, mountains, wildlife, national parks, lakes, and natural hot springs.

Within this district lies Dodolaa, an area rich in historical, cultural, and natural resources. A key historical site is the Arda Jila Yaa’a Bal’oo, located 18 kilometers west of Dodolaa town.

According to local Abbootii Gada and elders, this site has served as the center for the Araaraa Gadaa Faarchuu for over a century. It is a place where community disputes are reconciled, conflicts are resolved, and traditional ceremonies like guma and gumii are held. The site is situated in the middle of the Ukkuma River, surrounded by a beautiful green forest that attracts visitors.

The significance of Yaa’a Bal’oo has drawn attention from abroad. Dr. Lookoo Duuba, a Japanese historian who has lived and traveled in Ethiopia for many years, has visited the site. Dr. Lookoo has fully embraced Oromo culture and is dedicated to researching and promoting it.

“Finding such a vast history and solid tradition in a place like this is, I believe, a strong reason for local scholars to do their part as well,” she remarked.

However, a report from the regional tourism committee indicates that insufficient investment and research are being dedicated to the site. Greater involvement from scholars and stronger government support are critically needed.

The act of visiting, preserving, and promoting these pilgrimage and historical sites is vital, playing a crucial role not only in safeguarding our history but also in driving the country’s economic development. As foreigners travel here to study our past, we must ask ourselves: How many of these sites have we visited? How many have we protected?

In summary, Ardaan Yaa’a Bal’oo is a prime example of Oromia’s long-standing history, culture, and tourism potential. It serves as a powerful reminder that we must properly understand and develop our cultural resources.

To advance this natural and historical treasure, a concerted effort from the community, government, and scholars is essential.

By Maatii Sabaa

Irreechaa is the Oromo people’s annual Thanksgiving festival, a celebration of gratitude marking the end of the rainy season and the arrival of Birraa (spring). It is deeply rooted in Oromo spiritual tradition and is dedicated to thanking Waaqa (God) for blessings received over the past year, and asking for peace and mercy in the upcoming season.[1][3]

Irreechaa Festival’s Meaning and Traditions

Irreechaa reflects the collective identity and unity of the Oromo community, reviving ancient cultural rituals and fostering social harmony. Traditionally, the festival is held at sacred lakes, rivers, or mountain locations. Participants come with fresh green grass and flowers, symbolizing fertility, renewal, and flourishing life. At the festival grounds, elders lead prayers and blessings, and people immerse or sprinkle water over themselves as a sign of purification and gratitude.[3][7][1]

Celebration by Australian Oromo Communities

In Australia, Oromo communities actively celebrate Irreechaa to preserve and strengthen their cultural identity, especially in major cities like Melbourne. The celebrations typically start with blessings and prayers led by elders, invoking peace, mercy, and remembering Oromo martyrs and those who helped sustain the tradition. These events feature communal prayer, cultural songs and dances, sharing traditional foods, and symbolic rituals such as offering green grass and flowers. Australian celebrations may take place in parks and natural spots that evoke the riverbanks or lakes central to Irreechaa rituals, like the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) in Melbourne.[2]

In recent years, the festival’s organization has emphasized family participation, remembrance for those who suffered or sacrificed for Oromo culture, and adaptation to local circumstances, sometimes in smaller family units especially during pandemic restrictions. Attendees are encouraged to observe public health guidance while upholding the spirit of gratitude, unity, and peace that defines Irreechaa.[2]

Diaspora Role in Cultural Continuity

For diaspora Oromos, Irreechaa in Australia is vital for maintaining connections to homeland traditions, fostering youth awareness of their heritage, and building community solidarity. The festival serves as a model for intergenerational learning and allows the younger generation to understand and embrace their Oromo identity.[4][2]

In summary, Irreechaa in Australia blends traditional rituals with new expressions suited to local environments, remaining a vibrant anchor of Oromo culture for the community abroad.[4][2]

Sources

[1] Irreechaa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irreechaa

[2] Australian Oromo Community Celebrates Irreechaa Arfaasaa. https://advocacy4oromia.org/…/australian-oromo…/

[3] What is Irreechaa? https://advocacy4oromia.org/what-is-irreechaa/

[4] Irreechaa Festival: Celebrating Oromo Culture in Melbourne https://oromedia.org/…/irreechaa-festival-celebrating…/

[5] What is Irrecha about? : r/Ethiopia https://www.reddit.com/…/171r4ak/what_is_irrecha_about/

[6] Irreechaa: A Celebration of Unity and Gratitude Henok … https://www.facebook.com/direkukulu/posts/-irreechaa-a-celebration-of-unity-and-gratitude-henok-kidane-october-3-2025irree/1099445842358416/

[7] Oromia’s Irreecha Festival – A Revival of an Ancient African … http://www.waaqeffannaa.com/…/oromias-irreecha…/

[8] Selfies and singing as Ethiopians celebrate thanksgiving https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6399enj39o

[9] Thousands celebrate Ethiopia’s thanksgiving festival https://apnews.com/…/ethiopia-thanksgiving-irreecha…

[10] The Australian Oromo community celebrate irreechaa; … https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjQK9p1Ap6v/

The conclusion of the Irreechaa festival marks the beginning of a critical phase dedicated to stewardship, reflection, and future planning. These activities are essential for honoring the festival’s values and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

1. Environmental Stewardship: Clean-Up and Restoration

Immediately following the celebrations, a primary focus is the comprehensive clean-up and restoration of the festival grounds. This collective effort, led by organizers and volunteers, is a practical expression of the deep reverence for nature central to Irreechaa. Our goal is to leave the sacred sites as pristine as we found them, upholding the principle that a clean Irreechaa is a true reflection of our respect for the environment.

2. Comprehensive Event Evaluation

A structured review process is undertaken to analyze all aspects of the celebration. This includes an assessment of logistics, security, cultural programming, and overall community engagement to identify successes and areas for improvement.

3. Formal Recognition of Contributors

The successful execution of Irreechaa is a collective achievement. Formal acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of all participants, volunteers, and partners is a vital concluding activity, expressing gratitude for their indispensable role.

4. Strategic Future Planning

The insights gathered from the event evaluation directly inform our strategic planning for the future. This process ensures we set concrete objectives and continuously improve, strengthening the festival for the years to come.

While the vibrant gathering at Irreechaa is a powerful climax, its true significance unfolds in the days and weeks that follow. For the Oromo community, the festival’s close marks the beginning of a period dedicated to reinforcing its profound messages of peace, gratitude, and harmony through meaningful traditions and personal reflection.

The lasting impact of Irreechaa is felt through several key practices:

• Strengthening Social Bonds: The festival sparks a wave of community connection. Families and neighbors gather for shared meals and traditional coffee ceremonies, repairing bonds and expressing gratitude for peaceful reunions.
• Sustaining Gratitude: The spirit of thanksgiving continues at home, with prayers for the new season’s blessings. Many host intimate gatherings to reflect on the central themes of Araaraa (reconciliation), Nagaa (peace), and Walooma (harmony).
• Passing Down Wisdom: Elders take a central role, sharing stories and blessings to guide the youth. This intergenerational dialogue ensures the continuity of Oromo heritage and cultural values.
• Inspiring Action: The festival’s values often catalyze community initiatives. Groups organize to support cultural preservation, social projects, and youth engagement, actively promoting Oromummaa (Oromo identity) throughout the year.
• Deepening Nature Connection: In a direct extension of Irreechaa’s reverence for the environment, many visit sacred sites for quiet contemplation, strengthening their spiritual bond with the natural world.

These enduring traditions demonstrate that Irreechaa is far more than a single event. It is a living culture that continuously nurtures identity, fosters unity, and sets a positive intention for the year ahead.

After the Irreechaa celebration, several meaningful activities and reflections typically follow, both for individuals and for the wider Oromo community. These actions help reinforce the festival’s spiritual, cultural, and communal outcomes.

The Lasting Spirit of Irreechaa: Meaningful Traditions That Extend Beyond the Festival While the vibrant gathering of Irreechaa is a powerful climax, its true significance often unfolds in the days and weeks that follow.

For the Oromo community, the festival’s close marks the beginning of a period dedicated to reinforcing its profound spiritual, cultural, and communal messages through a series of meaningful activities and personal reflections.

Strengthening Social Fabric- A central post-festival focus is on deepening connections. Attendees often spend quality time with family, friends, and neighbors, sharing meals and participating in traditional coffee ceremonies. These gatherings are a time to express gratitude for peaceful reunions and to fortify the social bonds that may have been strained during the rainy season, weaving the community closer together.

Sustaining Gratitude and Reflection- The spirit of thanksgiving does not end with the festival’s final prayer. Individuals and families frequently continue their expressions of gratitude at home, offering prayers for the blessings of the new season, continued peace, and good health. Some may host intimate follow-up gatherings to reflect on the central themes of Araaraa (reconciliation), Nagaa (peace), and Walooma (harmony) that were central to the Irreechaa celebration.

Passing Down Wisdom to the Next Generation- Elders play a crucial role in the post-Irreechaa period by sharing their wisdom and providing blessings.

They offer guidance for the year ahead, drawing on lessons from the festival and ensuring the continuity of Oromo heritage. This cultural transmission often occurs through storytelling in homes and community centers, directly engaging and inspiring the youth.

Keeping Cultural Expression Alive The energy of Irreechaa often spills over into continued cultural performances. Music, dance, and other traditional arts may persist, particularly in larger urban centers and diaspora communities. These expressions serve to foster pride, entertain families, and prolong the celebratory atmosphere, ensuring the culture remains dynamic and vibrant long after the main event.

Channeling Inspiration into Action– This period also serves as a catalyst for community-minded initiatives. Inspired by the festival’s values, groups often organize meetings to discuss how to support cultural preservation, social projects, and youth engagement. Associations, especially those in the diaspora, may evaluate the recent celebration and plan for the future, actively promoting Oromummaa (Oromo national identity and consciousness) throughout the coming year.

Deepening the Connection with Nature-In a continuation of Irreechaa’s spiritual connection to the environment, some families or groups extend their stay to visit other sacred sites or natural destinations. This time is used for quiet contemplation, relaxation, and strengthening bonds with nature, embodying the festival’s core reverence for the natural world.

Summary of Post-Irreechaa Activities Activity Purpose Reconnecting with Community & Family Strengthen social bonds and share festival experiences.

Continued Prayers & Thanksgiving Express ongoing gratitude for peace, health, and blessings. Elders’ Blessings & Storytelling Transmit cultural wisdom and guide the next generation. Ongoing Cultural Performances Foster pride and keep the cultural spirit alive. Reflection & Community Projects Plan future cultural, social, and developmental activities. Visits to Sacred & Natural Sites Reconnect with nature and engage in spiritual contemplation.

These enduring traditions demonstrate that Irreechaa is far more than a single-day event. Its significance ripples outward, continuously nurturing cultural identity, fostering unity, and helping to set positive intentions for the year ahead.

1 of 5 |  

Thousands gathered in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, to celebrate the East African country’s thanksgiving festival, which is celebrated annually by the largest ethnic group, the Oromos, who were donning mostly white traditional attire. (AP video shot by Amanuel Gebremedhin Birhane)

2 of 5 |  

People attend the annual thanksgiving celebrations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Saturday, Oct 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Amanuel Birhane)

3 of 5 |  

People attend the annual thanksgiving celebrations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Saturday, Oct 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Amanuel Birhane)

4 of 5 |  

People attend the annual thanksgiving celebrations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Saturday, Oct 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Amanuel Birhane)

5 of 5 |  

People attend the annual thanksgiving celebrations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Saturday, Oct 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Amanuel Birhane)

By  AMANUEL GEBREMEDHIN BIRHANEUpdated 9:51 PM GMT+11, October 5, 2025

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Thousands gathered in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, on Saturday for the East African country’s thanksgiving festival, which is celebrated annually by the largest ethnic group, the Oromos, who were donning mostly white traditional attire.

The Irreecha festival is held to thank God, whom the Oromos call Waaqa. Some still practice the traditional Waaqqeffannaa, which is the worship of Waaqa.

“Irreecha is an important tradition that the Oromos treasure,” said Abbaa Gadaa Asmacha Foro, who was attending the festival and had traveled from the West Shewa Zone in the country’s central Oromia region.

Representing approximately a third of Ethiopia’s nearly 130 million population, the Oromo people use this annual festival to preach peace and unity.

“Irreecha is a vibrant thanksgiving festival that unites all the main clans of the Oromo,” said Robiya Bimam, a 35-year-old hotelier and resident of Addis Ababa.

There was increased security in the city before the festival, after the one in 2016 turned violent. Attendees at the time used the festival to hold anti-federal government protests and clashed with security forces, leading to a stampede that left more than 50 people dead.

That deadly festival gave birth to new leadership, which saw current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, born in the Oromia region, rise to power.

Ahmed said Saturday that this year’s Irreecha comes after the country inaugurated the Grand Renaissance Dam, which “doubles our joy.”

Legesse Addisalem, an elder from Sebeta, a small town located 22 kilometers (about 13 miles) from Addis Ababa, said that “Irreecha is a celebration of fertility, love, and peace. We pray for peace not only for Ethiopia but for all of Africa and the world.”

James Jordan, a tourist from the U.S., attended the Irreecha festival for the first time.

“As a tourist, I’m mesmerized by the lively culture and large crowds at the Irreecha festival,” he said.

“I found it to be a wonderful celebration,” said Tariku Gankasi, a prominent Ethiopian artist from Jinka, a southern region of Ethiopia.

The majority of Oromos believe that they were denied the right to practice and promote their traditions by authorities in the past, including Emperor Menelik II, Emperor Haile Selassie and the military-Marxist Derg government.

Following protracted struggles and immense sacrifices, the Irreecha festival was revived in the late 1990s, when the Derg was toppled.

Umer Ali, 60, was elegantly dressed in his traditional Oromo clothing as he reflected on the revival of the Irreecha celebrations.

“For 150 years, the Oromo were denied cultural expression, but reforms by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed six years ago now allow them to celebrate Irreecha in Finfine and express their culture,” he said.

Yosuf Robie, a resident of Addis Ababa, said that “we inherited this culture from our ancestors, and we must promote and pass it on to the next generation.”

Now, with Abiy as the country’s first Oromo leader, many Oromos feel more empowered to promote their culture.

But despite being Oromo, Abiy faces growing criticism from some within the community, who argue he hasn’t done enough for them.

“Despite the sacrifices made by generations for justice, freedom, and cultural recognition, most Oromo causes are still ignored and pushed aside under Abiy’s administration,” said Haqaafan Worku, a 36-year-old social science expert. “Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tries to create a false image, pretending that the questions and demands of the Oromo have been addressed. This is far from the truth.”

Source: https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-thanksgiving-irreecha-festival-0b891c0cba77f45386648ec077ff04eb

Addis Ababa, October 5, 2025 (ENA)—The Irreecha Festival, one of the most significant cultural and spiritual events in the Oromo culture was celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and cultural pride, according to Abbaa Gadaas.

Abbaa Gadaa Gobena Hola, Secretary of the Union and Tulema, said that this year’s Hora Arsedi Irreecha festival was celebrated in a way that strengthened unity.

Abbaa Gadaa Gobena together with the Head of the Oromia Regional State Culture and Tourism Bureau gave a briefing regarding the completion of this year’s Irreecha festival.

In his briefing, he emphasized that that this year’s Irreecha festival was celebrated with love and unity in a way that strengthened unity.

The 2025 Irreecha celebration as deeply meaningful, emphasizing that it embodied the values of togetherness and mutual respect, he added.

Celebrations took place primarily at Hora Finfinnee in Addis Ababa and Hora Arsedi in Bishoftu, attracting millions of participants from across Ethiopia and beyond.

“This year’s celebrations welcomed people from various ethnic backgrounds,” he noted, “offering a profound display of peace, love, and unity that reflects Ethiopia’s rich cultural mosaic.”

Held under the theme “Irreecha for the revival of the country,” the festival underscored Irreecha’s role in promoting national cohesion and cultural identity. Participants widely echoed this message, describing the Hora Arsedi gathering as a powerful symbol of Ethiopian brotherhood and unity.

In addition to cultural significance, the seamless organization of the festival was also praised.

Abbaa Gadaa Gobena extended heartfelt appreciation to government institutions, security forces, service providers, and the public for their coordinated efforts, which ensured the festivities proceeded smoothly and without incident.

Meanwhile, Abbaa Gadaa Keta Biru emphasized the festival’s spiritual essence.

“Irreecha is a celebration of peace, forgiveness, and unity,” he affirmed. “It is our duty to pass these values and traditions to the next generation with respect and care,” he told ENA.

The Irreecha Festival served not only as a cultural celebration but also as a vibrant holiday for unity, reaffirming shared values and strengthening the spirit of togetherness among Ethiopia’s diverse communities, he concluded.

Beyond its cultural beauty, this year’s Irreecha Festival resonated deeply with Ethiopia’s broader journey of transformation and development.

Rooted in the Gadaa System, the traditional socio-political and cultural governance framework of the Oromo people, it embodies gratitude, peace, and social harmony.

Over the years, Irreecha has evolved into a national symbol of unity and coexistence, bringing together millions from diverse backgrounds.

Jamila Simbru, the head of the Oromia Regional State Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that this year’s Irreecha was celebrated colorfully and in organized manner.

He said that both in Hora Finfinnee and Hora Arsedi, the people celebrated Irreecha in a colorful manner, wearing traditional costumes and strengthening unity.

Source: https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_7463423

“…Daaniyaan humna guddaa dha; humna guddaa kanaan eenyummaa keenya, jireenya keenyaa fi egeree keenya caala guddisuudhaan waan har’a arganne caala kan boru gochuu dandeenyu akka jirutti akka yaadnuu fi akka nama waa mo’achuu danda’utti akka hojjannu kan nu barsiisuu dha.
Kanaaf, waan maatiin keenya, abbootiin keenya nuuf godhaniif galata galchaa, naamusaa fi aadaa warri keenya nu dhaalchisan eegnee yoo jireenya keenya itti fufne, egereen keenyas, waanti nuti babaannus caala guddachuu danda’a…”

Daaniyaa is a highly significant concept in Waaqeffannaa, the traditional Oromo religion. It is not merely a word but a profound spiritual and philosophical principle.

Here is a detailed explanation of its meaning and significance:

---

Definition of Daaniyaa

Daaniyaa can be translated as “curse” or “divine retribution,” but this simple translation fails to capture its full depth. It is best understood as:

The inevitable, cosmic consequence for violating Safuu (moral and natural law).

It is the automatic, self-executing principle of justice maintained by Waaqa (God) to ensure balance and order in the universe.

---

Core Principles of Daaniyaa

1. Cause and Effect: Daaniyaa is a universal law of cause and effect. If a person commits a moral wrong—especially a severe one like murder, incest, betraying a guest, or breaking a sacred oath—they set in motion a chain of consequences that will result in their suffering or downfall.
2. Automatic and Impersonal: Unlike a curse cast by a person, Daaniyaa is not a personal spell. It is an impersonal, cosmic mechanism. Waaqa, as the sustainer of order, does not actively “punish” the individual; the violation itself disrupts the cosmic balance, and Daaniyaa is the re-balancing effect that inevitably follows.
3. Can be Collective: While it can affect an individual, Daaniyaa can also befall a family or an entire community if the transgression is communal or if the community tolerates a grave injustice in its midst.
4. Intergenerational: The consequences of Daaniyaa can extend to the offspring of the wrongdoer. This reflects the Oromo understanding that actions have long-lasting repercussions that can affect future generations.

---

How Daaniyaa Manifests

The effects of Daaniyaa are believed to be severe and tangible, often taking the form of:

• Unexplained illnesses and chronic sickness.
• Persistent poverty and failure in endeavors.
• Barrenness in land, livestock, or people.
• A string of misfortunes and untimely deaths within a family.
• Mental distress and social isolation.

---

The Relationship Between Daaniyaa, Safuu, and Araara

To fully understand Daaniyaa, it must be seen in relation to two other key concepts:

Concept	Relationship to Daaniyaa
Safuu (Moral/Legal Code)	Safuu is the law. Daaniyaa is the automatic penalty for breaking that law. Living by Safuu is how one avoids Daaniyaa.
Araara (Reconciliation)	Araara is the only remedy for Daaniyaa. If a person commits a wrong, they must proactively seek reconciliation. This involves confessing the wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness from the victim, performing a cleansing ritual, and often paying compensation (Gumaa). A successful Araara ritual is believed to stop the effects of Daaniyaa and restore cosmic and social balance.

The Cycle: Violating Safuu → Invokes Daaniyaa → Requires Araara → Restores Balance.

---

A Practical Example

• The Transgression: A man kills another man in a fight.
• The Violation: This is a gross violation of Safuu.
• The Consequence: The killer and his family are now subject to Daaniyaa. They may experience a series of misfortunes—their cattle die, their children fall ill, their crops fail.
• The Solution: The family must seek Araara (reconciliation) with the victim’s family. This involves elders mediating, the killer confessing, paying Gumaa (compensation), and both families participating in a ritual (like sacrificing an animal and swearing an oath of peace). Once Araara is achieved, the Daaniyaa is lifted.

Conclusion

Daaniyaa is a cornerstone of Oromo ethics and spirituality. It serves as a powerful social and religious mechanism that:

• Upholds Justice: It provides a divine assurance that wrongdoing will not go unaddressed.
• Deters Transgressions: The fear of Daaniyaa encourages individuals to live ethically and according to Safuu.
• Promotes Reconciliation: It makes the process of Araara not just a social formality but a spiritual necessity for healing and survival.

In essence, Daaniyaa represents the Oromo worldview’s deep belief in a self-regulating, moral universe where balance, justice, and harmony are the ultimate realities.

(A4O, 29 September 2025) Irreechaa celebrations in Melbourne have become a notable expression of Oromo culture, bringing the local Oromo diaspora together to honor traditional values and strengthen communal bonds.

The festival typically features blessings by elders, cultural performances, music, dancing, and communal meals, all designed to replicate the spiritual essence of Irreechaa as celebrated in Oromia.

Festival Highlights in Melbourne

– The celebration is usually held at riversides or parks—often at the iconic Wilson Botanical Garden—to maintain the symbolic tradition of giving thanks to Waaqa (God) by water.

– Community leaders and elders lead the prayers and blessings, paying homage to nature and ancestral wisdom.

– Attendees wear traditional Oromo clothing, display cultural ornaments, and use symbolic colors such as black, red, and white.

– Music, and dances (including Siiqqee and Gumii) are performed to educate and entertain both the Oromo community and local Australians.

Purpose and Impact

– The event fosters Oromo cultural identity and unity among diaspora members.

– It serves as a platform for educating younger generations about heritage and traditions, helping them maintain a connection to their roots.

– Many celebrations invite local government officials, multicultural organizations, and curious residents, encouraging mutual respect and intercultural exchange.

Growth and Community Engagement

– Participation has steadily grown, with increased efforts by local Oromo associations to expand outreach and inclusivity.

– Social media and diaspora networks play a crucial role in organizing, publicizing, and preserving the festival’s traditions, even reaching Oromo youth who may be distant from their homeland.

Irreechaa in Melbourne embodies both cultural pride and adaptation, allowing the Oromo community to sustain meaningful traditions while building bridges with the wider Australian society.

Participants took memorable photos with family, friends and each other and shared them on social media.

All those who participated in this celebration filled with love and respect are saying that they remember it with joy.

Irreechaa is a festival of wisdom that Oromo have contributed to the world community, which promotes gratitude, peace, reconciliation, hope, life, social harmony, community bonds, connection, mutual assistance, sharing, harmony and morality.