ICYMI: Quick facts to know about Isese Day

Isese Day is a traditional religious and cultural celebration observed by adherents of indigenous African religions, particularly among the Yoruba people.

Some Nigerian states, including Oyo and Ogun, have declared August 20 a public holiday to mark the celebration.

Here are five quick facts to know about Isese festival:

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1. The day provides an opportunity for traditional worshippers to celebrate their deities, ancestral heritage, culture, and indigenous religious practices.

2. Isese, which broadly refers to Yoruba indigenous religious traditions, involves various forms of worship, including prayers, dancing, cultural displays and, in some communities, ritual sacrifices.

3. Sacrificial practices vary depending on the deity or tradition being observed. For instance, some Osun worshippers perform rituals at rivers, while Oro-related rites may take place at designated shrines or sacred sites.

4. White is commonly worn by adherents during some Isese celebrations, although red, black, and other colours may also be used depending on the deity, community, or specific festival.

5. The celebration is also associated with efforts to preserve and promote Yoruba indigenous culture, traditions and heritage.