Describe the umhlanga festival?

The Umhlanga festival, also known as the Reed Dance ceremony, is an annual cultural event in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) where tens of thousands of young Swazi women gather to celebrate their virginity and pay homage to the Queen Mother. The festival typically takes place in late August or early September and lasts for about a week.

During the festival, the young women, known as the "maidens," travel from all regions of the country to the royal residence at Ludzidzini to participate in traditional dances, singing, and rituals. The highlight of the festival is when the maidens parade in front of the royal family and dignitaries, carrying reeds to present to the Queen Mother as a symbol of their purity and respect.

The Umhlanga festival is a colorful and vibrant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Eswatini. It is also a time for the maidens to bond with each other, learn traditional skills, and receive guidance on womanhood and cultural values from the Queen Mother. The festival is a significant and important tradition in Eswatini, promoting unity, respect, and pride in Swazi culture.