Odwira festival is celebrated in September by the chiefs and people of Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Odwira, which means purification, is a celebration of the cleansing and purication chieftaincy stool, people and the entire township. The festival is also to commence and welcome new yam harvest .
A period of forty days, known as “Adaabutuw,” is observed for meditation and rest prior to the celebration. It is believed to be a period of rest for the ancestors and therefore not expected to be disturbed in any way. To preserve the occasion, the authorities ban on any noise making activity such as singing, drumming and dancing. It is believed that the meditation period enable the participants to prepare themselves spiritually, so that they can perform their duties well as desired by the gods and ancestors.
The festival is a week-long celebration, starting on Monday and ends on Sunday with special activities outlined for each day.