Because I have so many wonderful photos from PCV Kirby at www.whatiskirbydoing.com, I want to share a few more of the Umhlanga ceremony. If you want to read more about my experience, check out day six (delivering the reeds) and day seven (the big dancing day).
Nonduduzo, the head maiden, wearing black feathers on the left, and the eldest princess Sikhanyiso in the center in orange with a staff, are the first to dance.
Sikhanyiso and Nonduduzo in the center leading the dancing.
King Mswati III greeting special guests and foreign dignitaries who have attended the festival.
King Mswati III and the queen mother greeting honored guests.
My group dancing on the field.
My group dancing on the field.
Me again. The girls in the background have already danced and are lined up on the field for the special dances generally led by royalty and the head maiden.
The group dancing.
The king greeting participants.
The king bowing to members of the royal family denoted by their red feathers.
The king walking through the participants.
Maidens watching the king.
Maidens watching for the king while dancing. We were singing a song about the king.
Women from the royal family, likely wives of King Mswati III, dance out to their children to perform kudlalisela, the bow of respect and appreciation.
travelin' the globe 
Fascinating, thanks for sharing.
Pingback: Day seven: Dancing time | travelin' the globe