Give 2 reasons why the people of Asante Kingdom celebrated the Odwira Festival during the pre-colonial period.

1. The Odwira Festival was a time for the people of the Asante Kingdom to give thanks to the gods and ancestors for their protection and blessings throughout the year. It was a way for the community to come together in gratitude and celebration.

2. The festival also served as a time for the Asante people to reaffirm their cultural identity and unity as a kingdom. It was a time for the people to showcase their traditional customs, rituals, and beliefs, and to strengthen their sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.

1. To mark the end of the mourning period: The Odwira Festival was celebrated after a period of mourning for the death of a king or queen, signifying the end of the grieving period and a return to normal life.
2. To renew allegiance to the reigning Asantehene (King): The festival provided an opportunity for subjects to pay homage to their king, reaffirm their loyalty, and receive his blessings. It strengthened the bond between the ruler and his people and reinforced the unity of the Asante Kingdom.