November 26 and 27
Gujeswari Jatra, Senegal Initiation Rites
On this date the Goddess Gujeswari Jatra is honored by the Hindus and Buddhists of Nepal. Activities fill the day beginning with prayers to the Goddess. These are usually followed by a musical procession through the streets where participants sing sacred songs to praise Gujeswari. The activities come to a close after sunset with more prayers and songs that are usually followed by a fast until the following evening.
It is around this time of the year in the Basari villages of Senegal that the young men are initiated into manhood. The elaborate rituals take months to preparation that test both the minds and bodies of the candidates. The initiates then compete against each other in village games to demonstrate their courage and masculine strength. The festivities are brought to a close with a feast dance.
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