ARTS views by Thabani H. Moyo
MY article this time is inspired by one of the greatest books. A book that will remain a top seller of all times, The Bible. I am an avid reader of the Bible especially in times of turmoil. There are incidents that sometimes leave us self-searching and seeking answers. These are incidents that lead us into deeper truths. The Bible sometimes provides with such truths. As I was perusing through the Bible, I found a befitting meaning of what Festivals are supposed to be like. I then thought of Intwasa.
When the Israelites came out of Egyptian Slavery, they sojourned for years before they got to Canaan. One cannot but imagine what was in their minds during those trying years and how they managed to keep their minds sound and their bodies able. The conditions they went through tormented them hourly and daily. Their story is one of the greatest stories to be ever told in history. One will find out the Israelites always looked up to God, Yahweh for answers. One thing that kept the Israelites going was their understanding that ‘A rejoicing heart does well like medicine,’ Proverbs 17:22. Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust, love and trust are the greatest healing safeguards.
For those uninitiated to the Israelites’ way of life let me school on the aspects of festivals. Jerusalem had three annual festivals. There was the Feast of Tabernacles. This Festival provided time for outdoor recreational activities and social life. These feasts were occasions of rejoicing. These occasions were made sweeter and tender by hospitable welcome given to the stranger, the Levite and the poor. Festivals attract those from afar. They bring to us the unknown. It is good that Intwasa Arts Festival, despite the threat of COVID 19, has seen it fit to give us a few days to celebrate who we are and attract the Levites. ‘Rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given unto you … the Levite, and the stranger that is among you,’ Deuteronomy 26:11.
The Feast of Tabernacles was a well published event, it was proclaimed on all corners of Jerusalem and its outskirts. It was celebrated by a mountain side. The spectacle included crowds that waved olive branches, pine branches, myrtle branches, palm branches and branches of thick trees to make booths or stalls. People went wild. They were found upon roofs of houses and in the streets at most important points like ‘the gate of waters and the gate of Ephraim.’ These people exhibited happiness in whatever way. Singing, dancing, shaking of bottoms, jumping for the stars were all part of celebration. People came out in all shapes, sizes, tone and age. They celebrated diversity in beauty. This is the spirit that this year’s Intwasa, nomatter how small, must have. Most importantly City Festival must celebrate their history. Intwasa must therefore celebrate Bulawayo
Festivals are for physical and mental health. Yahweh instructed his people that the spirit of the Festival ‘shall always be in their hearts and they shall teach it diligently to their children.’ Jerusalem was encouraged to talk about the Festival. I believe Intwasa will in the same spirit make noise about this year’s festival. According to the creator when we celebrate a festival it must be 24/7. In our sleep, in our walk, in our talk, in our eating we need to celebrate Intwasa as Bulawayo and we must welcome the strangers.
Intwasa as a festival must leave marks within the city as testimony, so says the Lord. This will help to preserve the culture of Bulawayo as a city and Yahweh will bless us. If we obey this basic commandment of festivals by the Lord Bulawayo will prosper and the world will know us for wellness and health. Festivals are part of God’s plan and as we celebrate them, we must put God first not our selfish selves. If we celebrate Intwasa Festival along the lines of the Feast of Tabernacles we will surprise ourselves but if we celebrate it as per our thoughts we will struggle. (Deuteronomy 26:18,19; 28:2-6).
Festivals are times for glitter and show but above all they celebrate what the creator has bestowed on us as a people. Festivals are the source of hope and courage. One hopes that this is what Intwasa 2020 will impart in people, Hope in troubled times. It has to be in our hearts as Bulawayo’s citizens, like those of Jerusalem, that the time for the Festival is time for purposeful rejoicing. We rejoice because we are showcasing who we are as a people, Bulawayo. We are rejoicing because this is the time to break routine and dance on rooftops and expend our energies. This is the time that the Lord has set for us to show our Levites how beautiful and welcoming we are as a people.
Good luck to Intwasa Team.
Thabani H Moyo writes in his personal capacity. The opinions shared here are his.
