Ouagadougou: Zitenga Naba Tigre, spokesperson for the traditional leaders of Bam, celebrated his traditional Napoussoum festival on Saturday in Tikare, in the presence of the High Commissioner of the province, Karim Ouedraogo, who led a strong provincial delegation. Napoussoum is a traditional harvest festival that symbolizes the end of the harvest and gratitude to ancestors for the blessings of the land. In Zitenga, it also provides a framework for reunions, solidarity, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this ceremony follows Boulpoussoum, held at the beginning of the rainy season to implore the spirits of the ancestors for good rainfall. On this occasion, the chief implores the spirits of his ancestors to bless the canton with good rainfall while protecting it from disasters. Surrounded by the guardians of local tradition, Naba Tigre sat on his throne where he received greetings from the village chiefs of his constituency, according to customary rules.
Bam High Commissioner Karim Ouedraogo praised the social and spiritual significance of this celebration. “Beyond its customary nature, Napoussoum is a celebration of cohesion and unity. It is also an opportunity to renew our wishes to the canton chief for this new year,” he said. Mr. Ouedraogo also commended the leader for his continued commitment to promoting harmonious coexistence in the province.
Naaba Tigre thanked the High Commissioner and his delegation for their support. He also expressed his gratitude to the Burkinabe administration. “I thank the administrative authorities, and particularly the regional directorate of the Ministry of Culture of Kuilse (Centre-Nord), who contributed with our community to the construction of a hall in front of the royal court. This jewel will serve as a welcoming and meeting place for our community,” he said.
As a reminder, the canton of Zitenga covers the communes of Tikare, Guibare and Rouko and the chief, Naba Tigre, has been on the throne for more than 20 years.