RELIQUAIRE ROYAL

The Doany is an important site in the Sakalava cult of Boina, where the relics of kings Andriamandrosoarivo, Andriamisara, Andrianamboniarivo and Andriamihanina are preserved. These relics - moustaches, fingernails and incisors - were richly decorated by Arab goldsmiths. The hut in which they are kept contains cult objects and belongings that once belonged to the sovereigns. People come to pray before the royal reliquary, especially on Mondays and Fridays, the other days being fady. Having been moved three times after the reign of the Sakalava kings, the monument - a hut - is currently located in Tsaramandroso. It can be reached by turning right onto the road leading to the regional university center. Entrance to the Zomba Be (sacred royal enclosure) is subject to rites and prohibitions that are not displayed at the entrance: bare feet, no glasses, braided hair for women (a lady from the village will take care of this), being dressed in a lamba (kitamby for men, kisaly for women). It is highly recommended to bring rum and candles (one box). The donation for the keeper is at your discretion (around 2,000 to 4,000 Ar). The keeper will invite you into his hut for a few words of welcome and to undress and dress. It's a good idea to be accompanied by a guide familiar with the local customs. Once a year, in July, the royal relics are bathed in a grandiose ceremony attended by thousands of people in a festive, musical atmosphere.