By Maatii Sabaa

Oromia, Ethiopia – A profound spiritual and cultural renewal is unfolding in the heart of Oromia. The Karrayyu Oromo, renowned custodians of a deeply traditional way of life, have ignited the sacred Jila fire, signaling the commencement of a momentous transition. The declaration echoes across the community: “Karrayyuun Jilaaf bobba’a jira..!!” – “The Karrayyu have lit the Jila!” This flame is not just physical; it is a beacon of identity, continuity, and the living pulse of the Gadaa system.

The Karrayyu have officially entered a sacred preparatory phase, initiating the complex, multi-year rituals to install a new Gadaa assembly, known as the Michillee. In a ceremony of great solemnity, the Abba Gadas—the ritual leaders—have formally designated the Tarree Leedii as the upcoming Gadaa class to assume leadership. This act, performed alongside five existing Gadaa sets, is a masterstroke of long-term democratic planning, scheduling leadership transitions for generations yet unborn.

“The Gadaa is our constitution, our school, and our soul,” explained one elder, his eyes reflecting the ceremonial fire. “By naming the Tarree Leedii today, we are not just planning for eight years; we are securing the wisdom and order of our society for 80 years ahead.”

A Ten-Day Tapestry of Tradition

The official inauguration of this transfer process began ten days ago, launching a meticulously orchestrated series of preparations. The community has been immersed in rituals, spiritual cleansings, and assemblies designed to purify the participants and sanctify the proceedings. These days are a vibrant tapestry of oratory, prayer, and the passing of sacred knowledge from one generation to the next.

The culmination is set for the 26th and 27th of Muddee (approximately early December). On these sacred days, the Karrayyu will perform the grand ceremony of Buttaa Qalaa, the 75th ritual stage within the Gadaa cycle specifically dedicated to the Tarree Leedii. This is the pivotal moment where symbolic authority and immense responsibility begin their formal passage.

An Open Invitation to a Sacred Trust

In a powerful move that underscores the inclusivity at the heart of Oromo identity, the Abba Gadaa of the Karrayyu has extended an open invitation. “The Cidha Buttaa Qalaa of the Karrayyu Gadaa will be open to all who come,” they announced. With profound respect, they have called upon the entire Oromo nation, from every region and walk of life, to witness and partake in this national heritage.

This invitation is more than a courtesy; it is a call to collective remembrance and unity. It is an opportunity for Oromos worldwide to connect with the ancient democratic and spiritual roots that bind them, to see the living Gadaa—a system UNESCO recognizes as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—in its most authentic and dynamic form.

As the Jila fire burns brightly in Karrayyu territory, its light reaches far beyond the ceremonial ground. It illuminates the resilience of a people fiercely protecting their worldview. It signals the unwavering commitment to govern through a system built on cyclic accountability, environmental stewardship, and social justice. The lighting of the fire is just the beginning. The world is now watching, invited to witness a civilization ensuring its own future by honoring the sacred cycles of its past.