The Ọrụreshị season is more than just the beginning of a new yam harvest (iri ji festival ), It represent a period of thanksgiving, reunion, celebration, and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. For the people of Ikem Asokwa, Ọrụreshị is not just seen as an event on the calendar, it is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, reminding us of the importance of hard work, unity, and gratitude. At Orie Ọrụreshị (approved market purchases) comes alive in a spectacular display of freshly harvested yams of different sizes and varieties. Farmers proudly arrange their harvest for people to admire and purchase, with each yam telling a story of months of hard work, patience, and God's blessings. The market is a beautiful sight, filled with laughter, bargaining, and excitement.
My grandfather, Ogbodo Ugwuodo was one of the celebrated farmers of his time. He had severally won the title of Omeru Egu, a kind of award give to farmers with the biggest yam hervest. This recognition was more than a title; it was a symbol of excellence, dedication, and commitment to farming. As part of the reward, he was presented with a hoe, a simple but meaningful gift that encouraged him to continue farming and inspired others to work even harder. It was a tradition that motivated healthy competition among farmers while promoting agriculture as the pride of our community.
Ọrureshi is usually a grand occasion held at different locations across Ikem communities, because it attracts visitors from neighboring towns, communities, and even different states. People travel long distances not only to witness the festivities but also to buy quality yams, which Ikem has always been known for. During this period, the market experiences an unusual surge and high level of activity, making it one of the busiest and happiest times of the year. Beyond buying and selling, the atmosphere is filled with social interactions. Many people gather in small shops made from palm fronds, often referred to as 'Ndo' in our local parlance, where they relax and enjoy boiled groundnuts while engaging in stories and laughter. The elders have their own special corner where they share Ataba, drink refreshing Obele Menye (palm wine), and chew ọji Igbo (bitter kola) as they discuss community matters, history, farming, politics, and family life. These gatherings strengthen friendships and keep our oral traditions alive.
During Ọrụreshị, virtually everything in the market sells well. Traders dealing in food items, clothing, household goods, livestock, and local crafts all enjoy brisk business. The atmosphere can best be described as the Christmas market of Ikem Asọkwa because everyone has something to buy or sell. Families prepare ahead for the celebration, ensuring they have enough food and supplies to entertain relatives and visitors who come from far and near. One of the most entertaining aspects of the celebration is the presence of Mmọnwụ (masquerades). Their colorful costumes, energetic dances, dramatic performances, and playful interactions with spectators bring excitement to both children and adults. As they move through the market entertaining passersby, the sounds of traditional drums, flutes, and songs fill the air, creating memories that remain unforgettable for everyone in attendance. After the market activities, families return home to prepare different delicacies using freshly harvested yams. The variety of yam dishes is simply amazing. Some people prepare ji na ekiji, while others enjoy agwọ ji na anyara served with akpaka. Many roast yam and combine it with ose, yabas, utazi, red oil and other local ingredients that create mouthwatering flavors. Have you ever tasted ji with ekpuru ihe? That combination is simply irresistible and remains one of the favorite traditional meals enjoyed during the Ọrụreshị season.
Following the Saturday market comes Ụka Ọrụreshị, a special Sunday set aside for thanksgiving and celebration. Families attend church services to appreciate God for a successful farming season before returning home to continue the festivities with loved ones. It is a day filled with gratitude, prayers, music, and joyful reunions. Sunday's main meal is usually Utara Ji, a delicious yam swallow served with different traditional soups such as Ọgbọnọ, Ekpụrụ ịhe, Uchakuru,Ukpopoto, Ugbọgọrọ, and many others. Every household has its preferred soup, but each one is prepared with great care to ensure visitors enjoy the best of Ikem's culinary heritage. Many people particularly love Ukpukpa because of its rich aroma, especially when prepared with Ụ́gba. The delicious soup is often accompanied by Anụ Ị́nyinya Okporoko, Anụ Egụ, and the ever-famous Ashi Eyọgiyọ, creating a meal that leaves everyone asking for more. One important thing that distinguishes Utara Ji from Akpụ is the presence of Ekpuru. Without it, the meal simply does not feel complete. It is these little cultural details that make our traditional cuisine unique and worthy of preservation. To complete the feast, Nkwu Ocha (fresh palm wine) is used to wash down the food. As the men gather around drinking palm wine, storytelling naturally begins. Hunters narrate exaggerated tales of bravery, including how they hunted elephants but somehow ended up chasing rats until the elephant escaped, lol. These humorous stories always leave everyone laughing, as listeners know that every hunter's story grows bigger with every cup of palm wine.
The elders also seize the opportunity to educate the younger generation by sharing stories of the difficult wars they survived, the struggles of the past, and the sacrifices that shaped the community. These conversations serve as living history lessons, ensuring that the traditions and experiences of our ancestors are never forgotten. Even family life finds its place in the celebration. The humorous saying that a man with two wives eats from different pots before rewarding both with good yams often brings laughter during family discussions. It reflects the playful storytelling style that makes our cultural gatherings so enjoyable.
Indeed, Ọrụreshị Ikem Asọkwa is a truly remarkable festival. During the Iri Ji ceremony, many dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders, and invited guests gather at the popular Community Primary School field in Ikem Unọ. It is a colorful occasion that showcases the unity and cultural pride of the people. Our brothers, believed to have earlier resided in and are now indigenes of Abia State, often known as Ikem Nando, also return home to participate in the celebration. They arrive with their own beautiful masquerades, cultural dances, and performances, adding even more excitement and strengthening the bond between communities with shared ancestry. The celebration continues on Monday with Ote-Ọrụreshị, our popular traditional wrestling competition. Young men proudly display their strength, courage, and determination before enthusiastic spectators. The wrestling contests are highly entertaining and attract large crowds eager to cheer for their favorites.
Ọrụreshị is far more than a festival of yam. It is a celebration of hard work, family, friendship, tradition, agriculture, storytelling, food, and cultural identity. It reminds every sons and daughters of Ikem Asokwa of where they come from and why preserving our heritage matters. As generations continue to pass, may this beautiful tradition never fade but instead continue to unite our people and inspire those yet unborn.