BOTSWANA

Region : Noth East

Spirituality : Rain Ritual

Ethnic group : Bakalanga

Wosana is a rain ritual practiced by the Bakalanga community in the northeastern and central districts of Botswana, as well as in certain Zimbabwean villages located along the Botswana border. This ancestral practice is characterized by rituals, prayers, feasts, songs, and dances. It is a collaborative tradition that involves traditional leadership, clearly defined roles, and the participation of the entire community. The associated knowledge and skills are passed down through observation, regular practice, and mentorship, with new practitioners taking an oath to keep the sacred aspects of the practice secret.

With the advent of Christianity, the observance of the ritual has gradually declined. Many traditional leaders have converted to Christianity and no longer recognize the worship of their ancestors. The few remaining practitioners are now compelled to travel to one of the three villages where the ritual is still observed. Furthermore, some songs, dances, and objects associated with the Wosana ritual have been misappropriated and are now used out of context. This has led to a gradual distortion of the ritual and to the disregard of the taboos associated with it. It has also resulted in the neglect of related cultural spaces.