zakseleihin

Zakseleihin is a traditional harvest festival practiced by communities in the highland archipelago of Kalara. The event marks the end of the agricultural season and is characterized by communal meals, evening dances, and the display of handwoven banners.

Etymology: The name comes from the Zakhari language, with zak- meaning "to gather" and eleihin meaning "light" or "festival," reflecting the practice of gathering and illuminating the community during the celebrations.

Core rituals include a public weaving contest in which participants create banners that illustrate seasonal motifs, a night procession with lanterns, and a shared banquet featuring maize, root vegetables, and fish. Music typically features a drum called dura and a wind instrument known as selin. In coastal villages, songs reference the sea; inland communities emphasize mountain lore. In all places, elders pass down craft skills and stories to younger generations.

History and status: Historical records trace Zakseleihin to early settlement in Kalara, with surviving chronicles dating to the 14th century. The festival declined during certain periods but was revived in the 19th and again after mid-20th century cultural preservation movements. Today, it remains a core cultural event, though practices vary by locality and increasingly incorporate contemporary elements and tourism.

The festival is part of a broader tradition of harvest rites and textile arts in the Kalara region.