Houet: The traditional Bobo New Year, called Djomb¨l¨, begins this Thursday. This information was announced Wednesday in Dioulasso-BS by the guardians of tradition, who urged young people to respect the rules of the celebration.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the "Lamogoya de Sya" collective organized a press conference in Dioulasso-BS, the mother village-district of Bobo-Dioulasso, to announce the start of the traditional new year in Bobo country, called djomb¨l¨. On this occasion, traditional authorities called on young people to celebrate the event with restraint and respect for traditional values. The festivities are taking place under the theme "The Role and Place of the Djomb¨l¨ in the Bobo Mandar¨ Community".
Addressing the young people, prominent comrade Daouda Sanou urged them to avoid behaviors that could disrupt the festivities, particularly the consumption of stimulants and the carrying of weapons. He invited them to fully experience this celebration in a spirit of peace, responsibility, and brotherhood. The notable Daouda Sanou, known as Sergent, explained that Djomb©l© is first and foremost a time for reflection, contemplation, and renewal. "We look back on the past year in order to correct shortcomings and approach the new year with serenity," he stated.
The celebration mobilizes all the traditional authorities. The marabouts, the diviners, and the notables each bring their advice and visions, which are presented to the customary chief in order to prepare for a year marked by peace, prosperity, and a good agricultural campaign. The dignitary also noted that the Djomb©l© festival commemorates the triumphant return of the ancient warriors. The celebration also serves as an opportunity to conclude the funeral rites for those who have passed away during the year and to implore the ancestors for their blessings.
Preparations are already underway. The festivities will include community meals in families' homes, followed by advice sessions from elders aimed at passing on the values and teachings of tradition to younger generations. The notable Moriba Sanou took advantage of this new year to offer prayers for the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, his government, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and all the actors working for the return of peace and sovereignty to Burkina Faso.