OBATAL’S FESTIVAL
A number of Orisa festivals are held throughout the year. The annual Obatla festival in Ile Ife, Osun State, South Western Nigeria, is held during the second and third weeks of January. Devotees and tourists alike, congregate at the Temple of Obatala and surrounding locations in Ile Ife, from all over the world.
This year the dates are from January 15th to the 28th. See an example of the programme of activities above.
A WEST AFRICAN SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
The Yourba Spiritual Practice is called Ifa Orisa. The main principles of the tradition are to learn from nature, embrace the reason why you have come to earth at this time and develope good charachter (Iwa Pele). Humanity is also reminded that Heaven (Orun) is our home and Earth (Aye) is the market place and our sustinance. The emphais on ecology in all things is therefore of great importance.
Like many indigenous traditions, the forces of nature play a central role. In the Yoruba tradition, they are called Orisa (pronouched Orisha) and according to the different linages, there are over four hundred representations and accompanying principles, which are available to guide and assist humanity to work towards Iwa Pele (Good Charachter).
DEVOTEES OF IFA ORISA
In 1981 The OrisaWorld was founded by Professor Abimbola. It is the world’s largest organization of practitioners and scholars of the Orisa spiritual practice and culture. Furthermore, based on observations and research within the organisation, up to 100 million people from individual and institutional organisations in over 50 countries adhere to Ifa Orisha culture and traditions. Read More here:OrisaWorld.
WHO IS OBATALA?
Orisa Obatal is seen as the father of all Orisha. He is also the one who moulded human form as directed by Oludumari (God) who then provided the breath of life. However during his asignment, Obatla became intoxicated with palm wine and began to create human beings which were different to his original template. When he sobered up and realised his error, he promised never to drink palm wine again. One of the Orisa pataki (sacred fables), tells us that because of his mistake, Obatal is the self appointed diety for human beings with special needs including Albinos. Obatala is also said to be the owner of all heads. This is Referring to a person’s Ori (seat of conciousness), which is to say, until an individual is initatied into any spiritual practice, Orisa Obatala’s influence will be the strongest.
OBATALA FESTIVAL IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 2018
OBATALA FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY ILE IFE NIGERIA 2013
PRIASES TO OBATALA WITH DANCE AT DUKE UNIVERSITY USA 2000
PRIASES TO OBATALA IN SONG SANTERIA TRADITION (CUBA AND NORTH AMERICA) 2012
Blue Water Family 
‘Iwa Pele’ is a Yoruba principle which means ‘good character’. Like Ma’at the moral ideal of ancient Egypt, ‘Iwa Pele’ is not a destination: we develop good character as part of our ongoing journey on earth until we are called to rest…
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