Category Archives: health
Why Fresh Grass and Water Are Essential in Oromo Blessings
In Oromo culture, fresh grass (Marga Jiidhaa) and water are far more than simple elements of nature. They are sacred symbols that carry the deepest meanings of life, fertility, peace, and divine connection. They transform abstract blessings into visible, tangible rituals and serve as the medium through which humans communicate with Waaqa (God).
Fresh Grass (Marga Jiidhaa): The Symbol of Life and Fertility
In Oromo culture, fresh grass is the most direct expression of life force and abundance.
The Meaning of “Irreechaa” Itself: The very word “Irreechaa” — the grand Oromo thanksgiving festival — means “fresh and green grass.” The festival celebrates the end of the rainy season and the renewal of all life, and fresh grass is the most vivid sign of that season.
The Carrier of Life: Grass is the food of livestock — the foundation of Oromo wealth and survival. When animals eat grass, they grow strong, produce milk, and reproduce. Fresh grass is therefore seen as a symbol of fertility, productivity, and prosperity.
The Medium of Blessing: During Irreechaa rituals, people hold fresh grass and dip it into water, then sprinkle the water on themselves and others. This is not merely an act of thanksgiving — it is a way of transferring the “life force” of the grass and the “purifying power” of the water to the participants, praying for health and offspring. In Gadaa blessing prayers, phrases like “may the grass grow (margi nimarga)” are common, placed alongside rain, livestock reproduction, and peace as manifestations of divine grace.
Water (Bishaan): The Source of Purity, Holiness, and Peace
Water in Oromo blessings holds both material and spiritual significance. It is the dwelling place of sacred power.
The Dwelling of God and Divine Gift: In traditional Oromo belief, rivers and lakes are sacred — they are places where the spirit of Waaqa (God) resides. Water bodies like Hora (sacred springs/lakes) are themselves considered blessings from Waaqa, possessing healing and fertility-giving powers. Infertile women may wet their chests with water, believing it will make their wombs fertile.
Purification and Reconciliation: Water symbolizes “cleansing” and “purification.” One of the core rituals of Irreechaa is the act of libation — dipping fresh grass into water and sprinkling it — which symbolizes washing away the sins and conflicts of the past year, achieving reconciliation, and welcoming a new beginning in a purified state.
The Metaphor of Peace: In Oromo thought, “Nagaa” (peace) is the foundation of all blessings. They believe that only when humans live in peace with nature, with God, and with one another can fertility and abundance be achieved. Water, through its flowing and gathering nature, symbolizes this universal connection, unity, and harmony. Blessings pray for “peace to descend upon our land,” and water is the physical embodiment of that peace.
The Union of Both: The Sacred Blessing Ritual
The combination of fresh grass and water creates the most powerful sacred moment in Oromo blessings. In rituals like Irreechaa, people dip fresh grass into water, and this very act is a prayer:
- Connection: Fresh grass represents the earth and life; water represents the sacred and purification. Together, they symbolize offering the life of the earth to God and praying for God’s blessings to return to humanity through the water.
- Transmission: Participants then sprinkle the sacred water on themselves and others, symbolizing the receiving and sharing of God’s grace, life force, and the blessing of peace.
Therefore, in Oromo blessings, fresh grass and water are ritual tools that fuse “life” with “the sacred.” Without them, blessings would lose their concrete form and power — they could not truly “touch” and “transform” the participants. They are the visible signs of an invisible grace, the tangible carriers of divine blessing.
OLF Calls for Immediate Peaceful Negotiations in Oromiya, Warns of Devastating War
Finfinnee, September 24, 2026 — The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has issued a strongly worded statement calling on the Ethiopian government and the Prosperity Party (PP) to immediately embark on genuine peaceful negotiations to end the devastating war in Oromiya, warning that continued military action will only trap the country in a vicious cycle of poverty, disease, and misery.
In a statement released today from Finfinnee, the OLF declared that the “reckless war” of the past eight years has entailed devastating consequences, with many innocent lives lost and resources that could have improved the lives of the people “frantically destroyed.”
A War Without Solution
The OLF criticized the government’s reliance on military might rather than mutual understanding and compromise, stating that such an approach “has not yielded any solution to the ravaging war.” Instead, the statement warned, “the depth and breadth of the conflict have expanded day after day, month after month, and year after year.”
The organization painted a grim picture of the conflict’s toll: “The loss of young and helpless souls and the endless ravage into the villages of poor households, the devastation of social and economic infrastructures, and their consequences will surely trap the country into a vicious circle of poverty, disease, and misery.”
“A sympathetic heart and a wise gut would not dare to see this continue,” the statement read.
The Only Solution: Genuine Peaceful Settlement
The OLF was unequivocal in its position: “OLF believes that the only solution is a genuine peaceful settlement.” The organization called on the government and the Prosperity Party to “embark on genuine peaceful negotiations with all concerned parties to end the war and find a solution to the misery of our people.”
The statement reaffirmed the OLF’s longstanding position that “war and military action have never been a lasting solution to political conflict.”
Defending Oromiya Against External Threats
The OLF also raised concerns about what it described as the “northern coalition, known as Tsimido,” which it accused of aiming “to turn Oromiya into a battleground for an unnecessary war; reverse the fruits of our struggle so far gained, and control Oromiya to usurp its resources once again.”
“The Oromo people cannot remain silent on this,” the statement declared. The OLF called on the Oromo people to “unite, regardless of political differences, and to defend their territory and villages without infringing on the rights of others.”
A Call for Oromo Unity
In a direct appeal to Oromo political parties and the regional government, the OLF urged all Oromo stakeholders to “stand in unison without jeopardizing the rights of the Oromo people.”
“This is not a time when we count on our political differences and party lines,” the statement emphasized. The OLF warned that “detaining political activists and party members exacerbates the suffering of our people” and called for the immediate release of those in custody.
“The meaningless detention of innocents should abate, and those in custody should be immediately released,” the statement read.
A Warning to Those Who Stand with Aggressors
The OLF also directed a sharp warning at those it accused of standing “with our historical aggressors and exploiters while claiming to struggle for the Oromo people.”
“You are making a historical mistake that history will never forgive you,” the statement declared, calling on them to “reconsider their path.”
A Call to All Peace-Loving People
In its concluding appeal, the OLF called on “all parties, especially the Government and the ruling party, to embark on genuine peaceful negotiations that end the suffering of our people once and for all.”
The organization urged “all stakeholders, including religious leaders, Abba Gadas, Haadha Sinqees, diplomats, media personnel, journalists, and all peace-loving people, to campaign for a peaceful settlement to avert the ugly, devastating war confronting us.”
The Stakes for Oromiya and Ethiopia
The OLF’s statement comes at a critical juncture for Oromiya and for Ethiopia as a whole. The eight-year conflict has exacted a heavy toll on civilians, infrastructure, and the social fabric of the region. The OLF’s call for negotiations reflects a growing consensus among many observers that military solutions have failed and that only dialogue can bring sustainable peace.
The statement’s appeal to Oromo unity — across political lines — signals the OLF’s recognition that internal divisions weaken the collective ability to address the crisis. By calling on the regional government, political parties, and civil society to work together, the OLF is positioning itself as a voice for a unified Oromo approach to peace.
Whether the government and the Prosperity Party will heed the call for negotiations remains to be seen. But the OLF’s message is clear: the time for war is over, and the time for genuine dialogue has come.
“Victory to the Mass!!”
Source: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)
Irreecha: A Festival for National Unity and Patriotic Covenant
Oromia, Ethiopia — National festivals play a vital role in accelerating peace, love, unity, and shared development. Among the festivals that exemplify peace, love, and solidarity, Irreecha stands as one of the most significant. Rooted in the Gadaa system, Irreecha embodies the ancient Oromo traditions of working together, eating together, supporting one another, standing side by side, reconciliation, holding good wishes for one another and the country, and translating unity into action.
Irreecha is celebrated as a festival that manifests the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood among peoples. It serves as a source of collective strength, a fountain of love, a spring of friendship, and a foundation for living together in harmony.
A Festival That Embraces All Humanity
This grand festival holds a special place in fostering a national covenant because it is enriched with values that enable people to see one another with equal respect, to understand one another, and to draw closer together. Irreecha teaches that every human being deserves dignity and honor, regardless of their background.
That is why the Oromo people celebrate this festival of thanksgiving and gratitude to the Creator with unwavering unity. No distinction is made based on appearance, gender, age, religion, or any other criterion. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is equal. Everyone belongs.
A Unifying Force for All Nations and Nationalities
Because of this inclusive and unifying character, Irreecha has today become a celebration that brings together nations, nationalities, and peoples of Ethiopia. What began as a traditional Oromo thanksgiving festival has grown into a national event that transcends ethnic boundaries, drawing participants from all walks of life who wish to share in its message of peace, gratitude, and togetherness.
The festival’s ability to unite diverse communities is not accidental. It flows from the core values embedded in the Gadaa system — values of consensus, mutual respect, and collective responsibility. These values have been passed down through generations and remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
A Call to Celebrate in Unity
The message is clear: all people are invited to come out in unity to celebrate this festival of Irreecha and to give thanks to the Creator. The festival belongs to everyone — not to any single group, region, or faith. It is a shared heritage, a common treasure, and a living expression of Ethiopia’s diversity and unity.
In a time when divisions often dominate public discourse, Irreecha offers a powerful counter-narrative. It reminds us that our shared humanity is greater than our differences, that our collective strength lies in our unity, and that our future depends on our ability to stand together.
A Covenant for the Nation
For these reasons, Irreecha holds an elevated role in strengthening national unity and fostering a patriotic covenant. It is not merely a festival — it is a declaration that peace, love, and togetherness are not abstract ideals but lived realities. It is a promise that the bonds between peoples are stronger than the forces that seek to divide them.
As millions gather at the banks of rivers and lakes to dip fresh grass into the water and lift their voices in song, they do more than celebrate a tradition. They renew a covenant — with Waaqa, with one another, and with the nation they share.
Baga Irreecha! Baga Tokkummaa!
Source: Oromo Cultural Heritage
Irreecha Falls on Meskerem 23 and 24, and Finfinne Has Two Mass Gatherings in Two Weeks
The union of Oromo Abbaa Gadaas has set this year’s Irreecha for Meskerem 23 and 24 — Hora Finfinne first, Bishoftu the next day. Addis Abeba police say preparations for the Meskel Demera are also complete.
This year’s Irreecha will be observed on Meskerem 23 and 24 on the Ethiopian calendar — 3 and 4 October — the union of Oromo Abbaa Gadaas has announced. Hora Finfinne, in Finfinne, is marked on the 23rd; Hora Harsadi, at Bishoftu, on the 24th. The union has framed this year’s observance around national consensus.
Separately, Lt. Gen. Asrat Denero, head of the Addis Abeba Police Commission, said preparations are complete for the Meskel Demera to be observed in the capital. He described the arrangements as coordinated between the Addis Abeba Peace and Security Office, the city’s assembly of religious institutions, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Addis Abeba diocesan office and city police.
A note on the date, because the translation gets it wrong
Amharic reports of this announcement are routinely rendered into English as “September 23 and 24”. The original says Meskerem 23 and 24, which is the Ethiopian calendar’s first month. Meskerem 1 of 2019 E.C. fell on 11 September 2026, so Meskerem 23 and 24 are 3 and 4 October 2026 — a fortnight later than the machine translation implies.
If a calendar, a delivery schedule or a staff roster in your organisation was built from an English-language feed, it is worth checking which date it took.
What businesses in the capital should plan for
Two mass public observances land inside two weeks, both centred on Addis Abeba, with the second spilling into Bishoftu on the Sunday.
- Road closures and diverted transport around Meskel Square and, on 3 October, the Hora Finfinne site.
- The Bishoftu leg on 4 October draws heavy outbound traffic on the road southeast — relevant to anyone routing freight or staff that way.
- Staffing. Both observances draw employees out of the capital as well as into it.
Open
Neither announcement carried road-closure details, security arrangements or a crowd estimate, and the city has not published a traffic plan for either day. The Meskel Demera date was not stated in the police commission’s remarks as reported.
Sources: Fana Television, 22 September 2026, Fana Television, 22 September 2026, Tikvah Ethiopia, 22 September 2026
The Psychological Power of Ritual Sound, Fresh Grass, and Water in Irreechaa
Oromia, Ethiopia — Irreechaa is the annual Oromo thanksgiving festival celebrated at the banks of rivers and lakes across Oromia. Its rituals — communal chanting, the dipping of fresh green grass into water, and the gathering of communities at the water’s edge — are not merely symbolic acts of cultural identity. A growing body of scientific research reveals that these elements engage powerful psychophysiological mechanisms that promote mental well-being, reduce stress, and foster social connection.
The Sound of Chanting: Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Chanting, a central practice in Irreechaa’s riverside ceremonies, has been shown to produce measurable reductions in stress and anxiety. A randomized controlled trial conducted in Australia found that just twelve minutes of group chanting — whether vocal or silent — resulted in significant decreases in cortisol levels and self-reported anxiety . The reduction in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, was similar for both vocal and silent chanting. However, self-reported anxiety decreased more following vocal chanting, suggesting that the act of voicing — singing the Marewoo songs of Irreechaa — amplifies the psychological benefit .
The study also found that altruism scores increased following both vocal and silent chanting, indicating that the ritual practice fosters pro-social tendencies . Group synchronisation, a feature of communal chanting, is thought to promote cooperation and feelings of connection to others . This aligns with the experience of Irreechaa participants, who sing together in a shared expression of gratitude and hope.
Research specifically examining Irreechaa notes that “chanting reduces stress hormones and triggers dopamine, promoting transcendence” . The sonic dimensions of the ritual, combined with its setting at the water’s edge, create what researchers describe as an immersive environment that unites communities and reinforces cultural identity .
The Touch of Fresh Grass: Tactile Contact and Relaxation
The fresh green grass carried by Irreechaa participants — dipped into the water as an offering and symbol of renewal — also carries documented psychological benefits when touched. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Urban Health investigated the effects of tactile interaction with real grass versus artificial grass among older adults. The findings showed that touching real grass produced a heightened sense of relaxation and calmness, increased mean systolic blood pressure reduction, and upward trends in brainwave patterns associated with relaxation .
A separate study involving young adults found that five minutes of tactile stimulation with real landscape grass, applied through the palm of the hand, produced significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, increased alpha brainwave activity (a marker of relaxed alertness), and alleviation of anxiety compared to a control condition . The researchers concluded that “palming grass — the act of touching grass with one’s hand — has a calming effect on both physiological and psychological responses to stress” .
For Irreechaa participants, the act of holding grass and dipping it into the water is thus not only a spiritual gesture but a tactile experience with measurable calming effects on the nervous system.
The Presence of Water: Blue Space and Restoration
Irreechaa’s setting at rivers and lakes — Irreechaa Malkaa — places participants in what researchers call “blue spaces,” environments featuring water. A systematic evidence map of blue space research confirms that contact with water environments is associated with mental health benefits, including reduced stress and enhanced well-being .
A landmark 19-country study involving over 17,000 participants found that all blue space settings were recalled as restorative, with rural rivers and canals among the most restorative . Perceived safety was the quality most strongly associated with restoration, and actively engaging with the water was associated with greater restoration than remaining on land . The study also found a reciprocal relationship between restoration and nature connectedness — the more restored an individual felt, the more connected to nature they became, and vice versa .
Research specifically examining Irreechaa notes that “water’s acoustic properties (transmitting sound four times faster than air) create immersive ritual environments,” and that the natural water setting “engages biophilia, enhancing mental well-being” . The riverside location of Irreechaa thus amplifies both the sonic and the restorative dimensions of the festival.
The Synergy of Sound, Grass, and Water
What makes Irreechaa psychologically powerful is not any single element in isolation, but their combination. The ritual brings together vocal chanting, tactile contact with fresh grass, and immersion in a water environment — a multisensory experience that engages multiple pathways to well-being simultaneously.
Research on Irreechaa explicitly describes this synergy: “water’s fluidity and reflectivity, paired with the resonance of sound, create multisensory rituals that deepen spiritual engagement” . The study notes that “psychologically, chanting and singing reduce stress and trigger dopamine release, fostering emotional uplift and communal bonding,” while “natural water settings engage biophilia, enhancing mental well-being and aligning with the spiritual clarity sought in rituals” .
The communal dimension is equally important. Group chanting, being a synchronous activity, promotes feelings of social connection and altruistic tendencies . For a community gathering after the isolating rainy season, this reconnection — through shared sound, shared touch of grass, and shared presence at the water — serves as a collective psychological renewal.
A Culturally Rooted Pathway to Well-Being
For the Oromo people, Irreechaa is a spiritual and cultural celebration. The scientific evidence now confirms what generations have experienced intuitively: the ritual’s elements — sound, grass, and water — are also powerful tools for mental health. In a context where formal mental health services are scarce, Irreechaa offers an accessible, culturally meaningful pathway to stress relief, emotional restoration, and social connection.
The psychological power of Irreechaa lies in its integration of body, mind, and community — a holistic approach to well-being that modern research is only beginning to fully understand.
Sons of Maccaa Celebrate Buttaa Ceremony: A Milestone of Generational Passage
Oromia, Ethiopia — In a powerful display of cultural continuity and ancestral reverence, the Gadaa-Hortee sons of Maccaa — members of the Gadaa Birmajii grade — have successfully completed the sacred Buttaa ceremony, marking a significant milestone in their journey through the ancient Oromo Gadaa system.
The occasion was marked with blessings and congratulations: “Baga 80 akaakayyuu fi 40 abbaa keessanii geessanii sirna buttaa qaluu nagaan oofkaltan!” — Congratulations on safely reaching the Buttaa ceremony, having honored the eighty grandfathers and forty fathers who came before you.
The Significance of Buttaa
The Buttaa ceremony is a pivotal ritual within the Gadaa system, symbolizing the formal transition of power and responsibility from one generation to the next. For the sons of Maccaa in the Birmajii grade, this ceremony represents their readiness to assume leadership roles and carry forward the duties entrusted to them by their ancestors.
The numbers referenced — eighty grandfathers and forty fathers — speak to the deep ancestral lineage that the Gadaa system honors. Each generation stands on the shoulders of those who came before, and the Buttaa ceremony is a moment of connection between past, present, and future.
Honoring the Sacred Elements
The congratulatory message continues with a blessing that honors the visible and invisible elements of the ceremony:
“Haaduu kofa keessanii, dhugoo gurra keessanii fi ruufa mataa keessanii hunda baga oofkaltan!”
This translates to: “Congratulations on all — the grass at your door, the grass in your ears, and the grass on your head!”
These elements — haaduu kofa (grass at the door), dhugoo gurra (grass in the ears), and ruufa mataa (grass on the head) — are sacred symbols within the Gadaa system. Fresh green grass represents life, renewal, and the presence of Waaqa (God). Wearing or carrying grass during Gadaa ceremonies signifies that the individual is in a state of peace, purity, and readiness to receive blessings.
The reference to grass at different parts of the body and home also reflects the holistic nature of the Gadaa system — it encompasses every aspect of life, from the threshold of one’s home to the crown of one’s head.
A Community Celebration
The Buttaa ceremony is not merely an individual achievement — it is a communal celebration. The Gadaa-Hortee sons of Maccaa have completed this rite together, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and shared responsibility that define the Gadaa system.
The ceremony involved the ritual cutting of the buttaa (a symbolic act of clearing and preparing the way), the enactment of laws that will govern the next eight years, and the formal transfer of authority from the outgoing Gadaa grade to the incoming one.
Blessings for Abundance
The message concludes with a powerful blessing:
“Gadaan quufa fi gabbina! Gabbis Waaq!”
“May Gadaa bring fullness and abundance! May Waaq bless!”
This prayer invokes the dual blessings of material prosperity and spiritual completeness. In the Oromo worldview, quufa (fullness) and gabbina (abundance) are not merely economic concepts — they represent a state of harmony in which the community is whole, at peace, and aligned with divine will.
A Living Tradition
The successful completion of the Buttaa ceremony by the Gadaa-Hortee sons of Maccaa is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the Gadaa system. Despite centuries of suppression and the pressures of modernization, the Oromo people continue to pass down this ancient tradition from generation to generation, unbroken and undiminished.
As the sons of Maccaa step into their new roles, they carry with them the blessings of eighty grandfathers and forty fathers — a lineage of wisdom, courage, and commitment that stretches back through time.
Baga oofkaltan! Gadaan quufa fi gabbina! Gabbis Waaq!
Gadaa: The Living System That Raises Generations Through Word and Deed
West Shawa, Oromia — In a world where ancient traditions often fade beneath the weight of modernity, the Gadaa system of the Oromo people stands as a testament to endurance, democracy, and cultural resilience. As the Oromo saying goes: “Gadaan sirna ittiin jechaa fi gochaan dhaloota guddisanii dha” — Gadaa is the system through which generations are raised by word and by deed. And today, that system has emerged from the threat of extinction and reached the present generation, unbroken and vibrant.
Sons of Liiban Maccaa Carry the Torch
The sons of Liiban Maccaa — Walisoo, Amayyaa, and Kuttaayee — are actively fulfilling their duties within Gadaa Birmajii, ensuring that the ancient Oromo Gadaa system is passed down from generation to generation, unbroken and undiminished. Their commitment is not merely ceremonial; it is a living covenant with their ancestors and their descendants.
These communities, located across Central Oromia, West Shawa, and Southwest Shawa, have preserved the Gadaa system without interruption. From father to son, from elder to youth, the sacred knowledge and responsibilities of Gadaa are transmitted with reverence and precision.
A Model of Democracy Without Conflict
“Gadaan Mallattoo Dimokiraasii Morkii tokko malee Aangoo Waliif dabarsanii kennanidha” — Gadaa is the symbol of democracy, a system in which power is transferred peacefully, without conflict or bloodshed.
This principle lies at the heart of the Gadaa system. Every eight years, leadership transitions from one Gadaa grade to the next — a process rooted in consensus, ritual, and mutual respect. There are no coups, no violence, no contested successions. There is only the orderly, sacred transfer of responsibility from one generation to the next.
It is a democratic tradition that predates many modern political systems, and it continues to function today, guided by the wisdom of elders and the participation of the community.
Preparation for the Transfer of Power
The Sirna Oofkaltii Tumaa Gadaa Birmajii is currently in full preparation across various locations in the West Shawa Zone. Over the coming eight years, those in the Birmajii grade will prepare to receive authority from the Gadaa Roobalee — the outgoing grade — and assume the responsibilities of leadership.
The purpose of this program is clear: “Kaayyoon Sirna Sagantaa Kanaas Gadaan Birmajii Gadaa Roobalee irraa Aangoo fudhachuun Waggoottan 8 itti Aanu Bulchuuf ofkaltii keessa darbaa jiraachuu ibsameera.” The Birmajii Gadaa is preparing to take power from the Roobalee Gadaa and to govern for the next eight years. This preparation is not merely administrative — it is spiritual, cultural, and communal.
The Journey to the River
The process has now reached a significant milestone. “Imalli gara malkaa deemuun tumaa ittiin bulmaata waggoota 8 dhufanii adeemsifameera.” The delegation has journeyed to the river, where the laws and rituals that will govern the next eight years have been formally enacted.
The journey to the water — the malkaa — is rich with symbolism. Water represents purification, renewal, and the continuity of life. By enacting the laws at the river’s edge, the community affirms that the Gadaa system is rooted in nature itself, in the eternal rhythms of the earth and the heavens.
A Blessing of Abundance
The message concludes with a powerful blessing: “Gadaan Quufaa Gabbina Oofkalchi Waaq.” May Gadaa bring fullness, abundance, and prosperity. May Waaqa bless the work of those who uphold this sacred tradition.
It is a prayer not only for material prosperity but for spiritual completeness — for a community that is whole, united, and at peace with itself and its Creator.
A Heritage That Endures
The Gadaa system is more than a cultural relic. It is a living, breathing institution that continues to shape the lives of millions of Oromo people. It teaches democracy, accountability, environmental stewardship, and respect for elders. It binds generations together in a chain of duty and blessing.
The sons of Liiban Maccaa — Walisoo, Amayyaa, and Kuttaayee — are not merely preserving the past. They are building the future, one ritual at a time, one generation at a time.
Baga oofkaltan!
Source: Community Report
Gadaa Elders Announce Dates for Irreechaa 2019: A Call for Unity, Gratitude, and Peace
Finfinnee, Oromia — The Assembly of Gadaa Elders of Oromia has officially announced the dates for the celebration of Irreechaa, one of the most sacred and widely observed festivals of the Oromo people. In a statement released to the public, the elders confirmed that Irreechaa at Hora Finfinnee will be celebrated on September 23, while Irreechaa at Hora Harsadee will take place on September 24, 2019.
Irreechaa is a centuries-old thanksgiving festival celebrated at the banks of rivers and lakes, most notably at Hora Finfinnee (Lake Finfinnee) and Hora Harsadee (Lake Harsadee). It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new year in the Oromo calendar — a time of renewal, reflection, and communal gratitude to Waaqa (God) for blessings received.
A Festival of Thanksgiving and Hope
In their statement, the Gadaa elders emphasized the profound meaning of Irreechaa, describing it as a celebration of thanksgiving, hope, unity, love, reconciliation, and renewal. “Irreechaa is a festival of gratitude, hope, unity, love, reconciliation, and rebirth,” the elders declared. “Therefore, all Oromo people, as well as all nations, nationalities, and peoples of our country and the entire world, are invited to honor Irreechaa together with the Oromo people.”
The invitation extends beyond the Oromo nation itself, reflecting the festival’s universal message of peace and togetherness. Irreechaa has long served as a gathering point for people of all backgrounds — a day when differences are set aside and communities join hands in celebration and prayer.
A Call to Preserve Tradition
The elders also stressed the importance of observing Irreechaa according to its longstanding customs, traditions, and sacred norms (safuu). “Irreechaa at Hora Finfinnee and Hora Harsadee will be celebrated on September 23 and 24, 2019, respectively,” the statement read. “Like other Irreechaa celebrations, it will be observed in accordance with the culture, tradition, and sacred order of Irreechaa.”
The Gadaa system, a traditional democratic governance structure of the Oromo people recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, plays a central role in organizing and preserving the festival’s rituals. The elders’ announcement underscores their continued role as custodians of Oromo culture and tradition.
A Warm Invitation to All
In closing, the Assembly of Gadaa Elders extended a heartfelt invitation to all Oromo people to welcome visitors with the warmth and hospitality for which the Oromo are known. “Therefore, we call upon all Oromo people to receive every guest who comes to them with the culture, tradition, and hospitality of our people,” the elders urged.
The message is clear: Irreechaa is not merely a festival — it is a living expression of Oromo identity, faith, and community. As the dates approach, anticipation is building across Oromia and beyond, with preparations underway at Hora Finfinnee and Hora Harsadee.
For the Oromo people, Irreechaa 2019 promises to be a time of collective renewal — a moment to give thanks, seek reconciliation, and reaffirm the bonds that unite them as one people.
Source: Assembly of Gadaa Elders of Oromia
Edmonton Oromo Community Celebrates Irreecha Malkaa in Vibrant Cultural Splendor
(ONA, Edmonton, 19 September 2026) The Oromo community in Edmonton, Canada, came together in joyous celebration of Irreecha Malkaa – Edmonton, honoring their cherished cultural festival with traditional attire, symbolic greenery, and messages of renewal, peace, and hope.
The celebration, held with great warmth and enthusiasm, saw community members adorned in beautifully decorated traditional Oromo clothing, proudly displaying the cultural heritage that binds them together across generations and continents. Participants carried fresh green grass and blooming flowers — the treasured symbols of Irreecha — bringing the essence of the ancestral festival to life in the heart of Canada.
A Message of Renewal and Growth
At the heart of the gathering was the exchange of heartfelt blessings marking the transition from the rainy season to spring. Community members greeted one another with the beloved Irreecha salutation:
“Baga bacaqii gannaa keessaa baatanii booqaa birraa geessan!” — congratulations on emerging from the rains and reaching the blossoming of spring — a message that carries profound meaning of renewal, resilience, and hope for growth and prosperity in the year ahead.
Prayers for Peace, Unity, and New Hope
Beyond the colorful attire and ceremonial symbols, participants shared prayers and good wishes for the community and the wider world:
“Irreechi nagaa, tokkummaa, galata, jaalalaafi abdii haaraa nuuf haa fidu,” they declared — may Irreecha bring us peace, unity, gratitude, love, and new hope.
The message resonated deeply among those gathered, reinforcing the festival’s enduring role as a source of spiritual strength and communal solidarity.
A Celebration of Oromo Identity in the Diaspora
The Edmonton celebration stands as part of a broader global observance of Irreecha by Oromo communities worldwide. Far from their homeland, diaspora communities continue to preserve and nurture their traditions, passing them to new generations and sharing the beauty of Oromo culture with the wider Canadian society.
The vibrant colors of the Oromo flag — green, red, and white — adorned the celebration, and the sounds of traditional songs and blessings echoed through the gathering, creating a space of belonging and pride for all who attended.
A Blessing for All Oromo People
As the celebration concluded, one message rang out clearly for Oromo people everywhere:
“Baga Ayyaana Irreechaa geessan! Happy Irreecha! May this season bring blessings and joy to all Oromo people.”
The Edmonton Irreecha Malkaa celebration was more than a festival — it was a reaffirmation of identity, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Oromo people, united across borders by culture, faith, and hope.
Oromo Community in London Celebrates Irreecha with Joy, Reflection, and Hope
London, UK — The Oromo community in the United Kingdom gathered in London on 19 September 2026 to celebrate Irreecha, the sacred Oromo Thanksgiving festival, in a vibrant display of culture, faith, and unity.
The celebration, organised by Hawaasa Oromoo biyya UK – London, brought together Oromo families and friends from across the United Kingdom for a day of gratitude, reflection, and cultural pride.
A Celebration Rooted in Gratitude
Irreecha is one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of Oromo culture. It is a time when the Oromo people come together to give thanks to Waaqa for life, peace, rain, harvest, family, and the blessings of the past season.
More than just a celebration, Irreecha is an expression of gratitude, unity, reconciliation, hope, and renewal. People gather in nature, often near rivers and lakes, carrying fresh green branches and flowers as symbols of life, abundance, and renewal.
Through prayers, songs, traditional clothing, and cultural expressions, communities celebrate together and give thanks for the blessings of creation.
A Time for Reflection and Remembrance
During the London celebration, speakers reflected on the journey of Irreecha and the sacrifices made to elevate the festival to its current standing. It was noted that great effort and dedication were required to bring Irreecha to the level of recognition it enjoys today.
The community also paused to remember the tragic events of 2016 at Arsadi, where lives were lost during Irreecha celebrations. Those who gathered were reminded that the sacrifices made that day will never be forgotten — a solemn moment that underscored the resilience and determination of the Oromo people.
Strengthening Bonds and Building Unity
Irreecha is also a time to strengthen relationships, forgive one another, resolve differences, and look toward the future with hope. The celebration reflects the deep Oromo understanding that human beings are connected to one another, to the land, and to the natural world.
In London, this spirit of unity was on full display as community members came together in traditional attire, sharing prayers, songs, and fellowship. Elders, youth, and children alike participated in the festivities, ensuring that the traditions of their ancestors continue to thrive in the diaspora.
A Message of Peace and Hope
As the celebration drew to a close, heartfelt wishes were extended to Oromo communities around the world:
“May this Irreecha bring peace to our hearts, unity to our communities, prosperity to our families, and hope for the generations to come.”
The gathering concluded with the traditional blessings that echo across Oromo celebrations everywhere:
“Happy Irreecha! 🌿 🙏🏾 🌳”
“Irreecha nagaan! 🌳”
“Horaa bulaa, deebanaa! ❤️💚❤️”
Irreecha: A Tradition That Transcends Borders
Irreecha remains a powerful symbol of Oromo identity, connecting millions of people across Ethiopia and the global diaspora. From the shores of Lake Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu to community halls and parks in London, Melbourne, Minneapolis, and beyond, the festival continues to unite Oromo people in gratitude, hope, and shared heritage.
As the Oromo community in London demonstrated, Irreecha is not merely a tradition of the past — it is a living, breathing celebration of faith, resilience, and the enduring bonds of community.
Irreecha nagaan! 🌿
