Muddee 26, 2025 — The esteemed Gadaa council of the Michillee clan within the Karrayyu Oromo nation has officially inaugurated the grand Cidha Buttaa ritual at Tarree Leedii, marking the beginning of a profound 12-day cultural and spiritual observance. The ceremony, which began on the 26th of Muddee (December), is set to conclude with major rites on the 26th and 27th.

The Cidha Buttaa is a complex sequence of traditional rites performed in a strict, consecutive order over its duration. The opening days have seen powerful foundational ceremonies:

Day 1 (Muddee 26):

• The Gadaa council members formally took their designated seats (Tarree Leedii).
• The sacred fire at the Abbaa Bokkuu’s (leader’s) hut was ignited.
• Blessing rituals (Eebbaa) were performed.
• A ritual of communion and sharing of ceremonial drink (Qubsuma) was held.
• Camels (Geejjiba) were paraded in a display of honor and strength.
• At Tulluu Huffeenna, a Kataarii tree was erected and burned, with prayers for abundance (Korbeessa Huffeenaa).
• The Raabaa officials conducted rituals involving a ceremonial staff (Dhaddacha) and the planting of a ritual stake (Ardaaga).

Day 2 (Muddee 27):

• A mature bull (Dullacha) was sacrificed at the entrance of the leader’s hut.
• Vigil was kept over the sacred fire and the Ardaaga stake.

From the third to the fifth day (Muddee 28-30), the focus shifted to construction: building the main ritual lodge (Galma), installing the central ritual object (Daasa Keessummaa), and constructing enclosures for cattle and camels.

The period from the fifth to the ninth day (Muddee 30-Amajjii 3) involves spiritual and communal deliberations:

• Pilgrimages to sacred sites like Uman, hills, and valleys.
• Prayers for peace to Waaqa (the Creator).
• A series of assemblies to discuss the preservation and transmission of Gadaa laws, customs, and clan identities.
• Deliberations on environmental stewardship and land protection.

All these preparatory rituals will lead to the climactic ceremonies on the tenth day.

Day 10 (Amajjii 6):

• At dawn, the final preparations (Hiiddii) will be made.
• A special shelter (Bitimaa) will be erected behind the cattle enclosure.
• In the afternoon, the Abbaa Galmaa (ceremony head) will stand before the shelter to formally authorize the appointed ritual actors (Gumaachitoota).

The Cidha Buttaa will then enter its final, most sacred phase on the night of the 6th of January, continuing into the 7th of January.

This elaborate ceremony reaffirms the vitality of the Gadaa system, serving as a critical mechanism for cultural renewal, social cohesion, spiritual blessing, and the intergenerational transfer of authority and knowledge among the Karrayyu Oromo.