One of the most colorful and famous festivals celebrated in Northern Nigeria is the Durbar Festival. It is an annual festival that marks the end of Ramadan and is also shared with Eid-El-Kabir and Eid-El-Fitri Muslim holidays. Durbar comes from Urdu ‘Darbar’ with ‘dar’ meaning door and ‘bar’ meaning entry or audience. The festival is always a colorful display of culture and full of pomp and pageantry. It is a royal parade of thousands of men and horses adorned with garments and regalia. It is also a spectacular concert and bazaar of African music (Northern musical instruments such as the Kakaki and so on are on display during the festival). The festival is very popular in the Kano Emirates; it is also organized in cities such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zaria and Bida.
HISTORY
The Durbar festival dates back to hundreds of years ago in Hausa land. It was said to be introduced by Sarki Muhammadu Ramfu of Kano in the late 14th century as a way of demonstrating military power and skills before going to war. During this period, each town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defense of the Emirate. Once or twice a year, the Emirate chiefs invited the various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs.
THE FESTIVAL
The festival begins with prayers. This is followed by roaring muskets flash salutes as thousands of warrior horsemen race onto the parade ground in front of the Emir’s Palace. This marks the start of the annual festival. It is always colorful as the horsemen are adorned in colorful robes, stylish turbans, ostrich feathers, and glittering swords. The horses are not left with the decoration as they are styled with colorful apparels. All these are done to honor the Emir who enters the parade shielded from the sun by a large rotating parasol.
The Emir who is followed by his entourage is welcomed by the people who are seen all over the place (stands, trees, fences, etc.) raises their fists chanting ‘’Ranka ya dede’’. The shouts are joined by the rhythms of the musical instruments (drums, trumpets, flutes). Musicians and the horsemen who are core part of the festival display their dexterity in the mood of celebration. When hundreds of horsemen have assembled on the parade ground, the Emir’s procession begins down the center. The Emir himself rides majestically among his guards and servants amidst the shouting of flintlock muskets. The regiments also demonstrate allegiance to the ruler by showcasing their horsemanship, readiness for war, and loyalty. The Emir gives an Eid-El-Kabir address to the crowd’s approval.
The festival is an opportunity for the people to pay their respect to the Emir. It is attended by top government officials, tourists and people from all walks of life. Another Durbar festival is around the corner, make sure you attend this awesome gathering.
