Iguaro Ndigbo dated back to the days of Eze Nri whose prerogative as directed by Chukwu Okike it was to proclaim the Igbo lunar calendar for the Igbo nation. The Igbo look forward to celebrate Iguaro with pomp and pageantry.
The cultural fiesta is normally celebrated at the Igbo ancestral homeland Nri every February. Iguaro Ndigbo is set aside to remind Ndị Igbo that the ancient culture originated from Nri. Igbo lunar calendar is based on thirteen lunar months made up of seven Igbo native weeks and four market days – Eke, Oye, Afo and Nkwo. All these market deities have their originating shrines in Nri and were installed in Igbo settlements by Nri priests who were agents of Eze Nri.
Eze Nri further introduced “Aro” (Year) with the originating shrine in Nri. He also initiated ozo title taking to uplift the social status of the achievers. Eze Nri introduced yam and cocoyam to Igbo agricultural cycle. Cowries as currencies were also introduced by Eze Nri.
Nri regulated and regulates the Igbo traditional system of worshiping God, cleansing the earth of abominations and taboos and settling disputes between waring Igbo communities. During Iguaro Ndigbo, Eze Nri ushers in the Igbo New Year and the beginning of planting season. He also distributes yam seedlings to Ndigbo which they plant as they get back to their various communities. He also assures them to expect rain within four days but approximately not more than three native weeks which should be followed by clearing and cultivating the land.
Eze Nri in his wisdom as the custodian of Igbo culture, tradition and keeper of Ofo Ndigbo also initiated other cultures and traditions guarding Igbo lunar months as their circle demands. Date of Iguaro is determined by the celestial movement.
The lunar system of adjustment was known to Nri priests of Aro deity and the wisdom of the movement of heavenly bodies were used in calculating the lunar year.
1024 years ago, system of counting the year (ARO) was divinely reaveled to Eze Nri by Chukwuabiama. Today Nri is still counting the year with its originating shrine in Nri.
Northcote Thomas, a British anthropologist who studied Nri history in the 20th century concluded that Nri elders had clear knowledge of the stars and moon which helps them in calculating the intervals between each lunar period and another.
Eze Nrienwelana the second represented by the regent of Nri welcomes all Ndigbo to Nri, the citadel of Igbo culture and tradition, to this unique occasion of the 1024th Iguaro Ndigbo 2023AD which comes up on Saturday 18th February, 2023. The event also marks the 35th year on the throne of His Majesty Eze Nri Obidiegwu Onyesoh, MFR, JP, Nri Enwelana the second.
The yam seedling that will be distributed by Eze Nri Obidiegwu Onyesoh on this day, the first day of the new lunar month, if planted, will be ready for harvesting within eight months that is in September (Onwaa asato) of the Lunar year.
The regent of Ancient Nri kingdom on behalf of Eze Nri wishes Ndigbo peaceful co-habitation, good luck, good health, prosperity, bumper harvest, hitch free election for Nigerians as the new Igbo lunar year begins.
On Saturday February 18, 2023, Eze Nrienwelana the second invites Ndigbo to come and witness Nri culture as it was in the old. Nri will continue to play her role as the supreme head of Igbo traditional religion. Nri is shaped by history, not in history. He who desires to understand the Igbo past must start by recognizing the role Nri played in the making of the Igbo nation.
Written by ROBINSON IBEKWE
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