Today, the streets of Osogbo filled with drumming, dancing, and celebration as thousands begin the mile-long walk from the city center to the Sacred Grove.
According to Oduduwa News Correspondent who monitored the event, many traditionalists, culture enthusiasts as well as political functionaries thronged the venue of this year 2023 Osun-Osogbo Festival.
At mid-morning, the arugba stepped out from her shrine, hidden beneath a canopy and carrying the sacrificial offerings and took it to the river. The procession took more than two hours to reach the river.
The Osun festival, also known as the Osun-Osogbo Festival is held towards the rainy season,It is a traditional tribal festival from the Yoruba people, held to honor the river goddess called Yeye Oshun. Thousands of people attend to bear witness to the ceremonies, which include priests seeking protection for the villagers for the year to come by offering gifts and sacrifices.
The festival is held at the Osogbo Sacred Forest, with Yoruba pilgrims from all over Nigeria coming to pray and sacrifice to the goddess Osun.