THE Reed Dance Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary since its revival by King Misuzulu's parents, the late King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu.
The Zulu royal house said this year's festival, known as Umkhosi Womhlanga, will be special.
About 40 000 virgins are expected to converge at Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma to present their reeds to King Misuzulu, symbolising each girl's triumph over temptation and a steadfast choice of preserving virginity.
The annual three-day event will kick off on Friday, 13 September, with the maidens' arrival.
The main event will be on Saturday, 14 September, followed by a goodbye ceremony on Sunday.
Zulu royal house spokesman Prince Simphiwe Zulu told Daily Sun this year the Zulu royal house is celebrating the festival's success.
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"The king has announced that because of this celebration, he wishes all school pupils in KZN to wear traditional clothes and sing traditional songs on Friday, 13 September, even those who will not be able to attend the festival on Saturday, to celebrate this milestone," said Prince Zulu.
"This year's festival is big as many international delegates, including kings, have confirmed their attendance to celebrate with us."
Prince Zulu said on Friday, there'll be a prayer at the palace for the safety of those attending, and a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate the milestone.
He said they are proud of the festival's growth every year, preservation of Zulu culture and the protection of young girls from sex before marriage.
The festival's pre-event was held at Emachobeni Royal Palace in Ingwavuma on Saturday, 7 September, and was attended by close to 7 000 maidens.
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