Man to 15 wives, Swaziland's King Mswati III to pick another virgin during traditional reed dance carnival
There's an annual event for virginity testing which most of you won't be aware of. This event happens in Swaziland (name recently changed to eSwatini).
Tens of thousands of Swazi virgins wearing traditional colourful attire come together and perform the traditional reed dance. The king chooses a new bride from the crowd every year.
Only young virgin girls participate in this event, they stamp their feet to amuse thousands of attendees of this carnival. This event is attended by President of South Africa Jacob Zuma and King Mswati III among other invites.
This is a centuries-old tradition of the Zulu people. This activity is done to make the young girl prepare for womanhood. This is locally called Mkhosi woMhlanga and mostly happens at the beginning of spring.Three-day long fest gives older women chance to teach young girls.
The climax of this event is the presenting of reeds to the King. Each girl is expected to wear a traditional intricately beaded outfit, most of whom are bare-chested, as she offers a cut reed to the king.
This tradition has been criticised by human watchdogs. They have called the festival retrogressive.
First published: 4 May 2018, 14:37 IST
