By Rahim Abdul
The annual Kulamba traditional ceremony on Saturday once again underscored the power of culture in building bridges across borders, as thousands of Chewa people from Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique converged at Mkaika Village in Zambia’s Eastern Province to pay homage to Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi.
Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who joined his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema at the colourful gathering, described the ceremony as more than a cultural festival, but a platform that nurtures peace, unity and development among diverse societies.
“This gathering reminds us that our traditions are not just about the past they are a compass guiding us to build peaceful and united communities,” Chakwera said.
He, however, cautioned against clinging to harmful customs such as child marriages, urging chiefs to champion practices that safeguard the welfare and rights of children.
President Hichilema praised the cultural event as a vehicle for strengthening ties among the three nations while boosting tourism.
He applauded Chief Gawa Undi for his role in preserving cultural identity and fostering unity beyond borders.
In his remarks, Gawa Undi emphasized the shared challenges confronting Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, particularly climate change and food insecurity.
He urged leaders to prioritize investments in irrigation and modern agriculture to ensure food security for their people.
The ceremony, marked by traditional dances, rituals, and colourful attire, attracted leaders, cultural groups, and government officials including Malawi’s Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda.
For many in attendance, Kulamba was not just about celebrating heritage, but about affirming a collective responsibility to use culture as a tool for social transformation and regional solidarity.
