ohjekebba

ohjekebba is a traditional seasonal festival observed in the coastal communities of the western Talo region, where it marks the transition from the dry season to the spring rains. The term derives from the indigenous Golan language, where “ohje” means “cycle” and “kebba” refers to “water gathering.” The celebration typically takes place at the beginning of March, coinciding with the annual monsoon onset.

Participants prepare by collecting various native plant species—most notably the silvershield fern and the blue‑tide seaweed—which are believed to influence the fertility of the forthcoming crops. On the day of the festival, villagers gather at the central lagoon, perform a series of synchronized chants, and pour offerings of water and cooked fish into the lagoon’s shallow pools. Folk lore holds that the act directs the incoming rains toward the agricultural fields and protects against drought.

In modern times, the ohjekebba festival has gained cultural interest as a form of eco‑tourism, attracting visitors from neighboring regions who wish to witness the blending of spiritual practice and community cooperation. While largely a symbolic ritual, it remains a vital part of communal identity, reinforcing shared responsibility for water resources. The festival’s preservation is supported by the local council, which organizes educational workshops on climate resilience and indigenous knowledge.