The national tour of Benin's Vodun Rites Committee concluded on September 26 in Parakou, after visiting several cities including Lokossa, Porto-Novo, Bohicon, Natitingou, and Parakou. The committee, led by President Mahougnon Kakpo, engaged with over 10,000 Vodun dignitaries and followers, promoting a new era of Vodun practice that is compatible with modern society. The tour aimed to address concerns and encourage reform within the Vodun community.
During the tour, the committee emphasized the need for Vodun practitioners to adapt to modern times, particularly in the context of tourism. They encouraged dignitaries to abandon outdated practices, such as the ostentatious display of blood and the degrading use of social media. The committee also stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during Vodun rituals. The dignitaries and followers who attended the events largely welcomed these messages.
The tour was marked by significant participation from various Vodun obediences, with over 25 different groups represented. The events drew large crowds, with some attendees having to follow discussions through windows due to overcrowding. The committee received ovations and thanks from the dignitaries and followers, who also raised several concerns that were addressed during the tour.
One of the key outcomes of the tour was the commitment from Vodun communities to reform their practices. The President of the Haut Conseil National du Vodun, Toxiô, pledged that the community would work to eliminate retrograde practices that hinder the development of Vodun. The committee's efforts were seen as a positive step towards modernizing Vodun and promoting its development.
The tour was also seen as an opportunity for the Vodun community to have a unified voice and to address common concerns. A Vodun dignitary from Bohicon noted that the massive mobilization of dignitaries and followers demonstrated the community's desire for a credible interlocutor who would take their concerns seriously.
The Vodun Rites Committee's efforts to promote reform and modernization were welcomed by many, who see this as a necessary step to ensure the continued relevance and development of Vodun in modern society. The committee's work is seen as a positive step towards promoting a more contemporary and respectful practice of Vodun.
The national tour has concluded, but its impact is expected to be felt within the Vodun community for a long time. The committee's message of reform and modernization resonated with dignitaries and followers, who are now committed to working towards a more contemporary and respectful practice of Vodun.
Key points
- Over 10,000 Vodun dignitaries participated in the two-week national tour, calling for an end to outdated practices and embracing modernization.
