By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe, August 20, mana: Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) has disclosed that people should take Kulamba ceremony as their opportunity for learning history and preserving their culture.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Secretary General for CHEFO, Dr. Numeri Chalumpha Gerisomo, highlighted the need for participating in the coming occasion of Kulamba ceremony as it plays a great role for cultural preservation and unity among Chewa people.

"This function provides information to Chewa people about their history and culture. For the youths, Kulamba ceremony provides an opportunity for them to learn and participate in their cultural heritage.

"Kulamba ceremony also promotes unity among the Chewa chiefs and their subjects," Gerisomo said.

He said the ceremony also allows the Chewa chiefs from the three countries to give reports to His Majesty about the welfare of his people and other economic issues.

Deputy Director at Department of Monuments and Museums, Yohane Nyirenda accorded with Geresomo, saying the occasion plays a pivotal role in cultural continuity.

"One of the main Chewa rituals is the Kulamba ceremony, which incorporates a number of customs such as dances, songs, and ceremonies. The Chewa people make sure that their cultural legacy is preserved and handed down through the generations by consistently carrying out these rituals," Nyirenda said.

He also reiterated the importance of having the occasion as a tool for promoting unity, cultural identity, and transmission of knowledge and values.

He added that government aims to promote inter-faith, inter-political and inter-cultural co-existence to sustain peace and unity.

"The Umodzi Day seeks to sustain peace through promotion of inter-faith, inter-political and inter-cultural co-existence. The celebrations bring all Malawians together regardless of their political, religious and cultural affiliations," he said.

According to Gerisomo the Chewa people of Malawi led by their chiefs are ready and prepared to attend and participate in the Kulamba ceremony which will be held on 24 August this year in Zambia and the event will cost MK25 million.

He said different types of dances and displays have been lined up to be showcased during the ceremony.