 Afterward the sovereign would bathe in sanctified water, then sprinkle it upon attendees to purify and bless them and ensure an auspicious start to the year.Children would celebrate the "fandroana" by carrying lighted torches and lanterns in a nighttime processional through their villages.The zebu meat eaten over the course of the festival was primarily grilled or consumed as "jaka", a preparation reserved uniquely for this holiday.