Tonga's mourning to end with Pongipongi Tapu on Saturday March 31 [1]
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 21:18. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Photos by Peter Poulsen.
At Mala'e Kula, the Royal Tombs, in Nuku'alofa, a Nima Tapu keeps vigil at the tomb
of the late King George Tupou V, today March 28, 2012.
The official mourning period for the late King George Tupou V will end for the public on Saturday, March 31 after the "Pongipongi Tapu" ceremony at Pangai Lahi, but the traditional ceremonies will continue for the Royal Family.
In a proclamation King Tupou VI on March 22, stated that the Pongipongi Tapu, including a Taumafa Kava, the first Royal Kava circle for the new King Tupou VI, and a final Last Post for the late King will conclude the official mourning period on Saturday.
A mourning period of three months from March 19 to June 19 was initially announced by Lord Vaea, the chairman of the Cabinet Committee which organised the program of the State Funeral last week,but the King has decided to shorten this period.
Ha'amo
Suka 'Otukolo, Deputy Secretary at the Palace Office said this afternoon the Pongipongi Tapu will be held at Pangai Lahi next to the Royal Palace. He said the ha'amo or the presentation of food by the Ha'a or clans started today, with presentations at the Mapu 'a Faiva residence where the Nima Tapu are residing.
The ha'amo will continue until next week to other royal residences, including the Royal Palace, Tufumahina, Mapu 'a Fuiva, Mahinafekite and Tala Kae Pau, at various times by different clans.
At Mala'e Kula, Nuku'alofa, today Nima Tapu and attendants keep vigil at the tomb
of the late King George Tupou V.