From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The ancient City of Zaria, the headquarters of Zazzau Emirate, yesterday went into Wild jubilation as residents and visitors filed out in large numbers on the street to join the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for the Sallah durbar.
The Sallah Durbar, known as Hawan Daushe, is a gathering that brings people from all walks of life in Nigeria and abroad to the Zazzau Palace.
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani, was in attendance.
The Deputy Governor, who was among the personalities present, spent about three hours watching the display of the traditions of the Zazzau people.
The colorful event was also attended by 31 district heads and 43 other titleholders from the emirate.
His Royal Highness, Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other princes of the Zazzau dynasty, through the durbar, demonstrate their rich cultural heritage.
This usually attracts residents and guests from far and near. Diplomats and other foreigners also view the ceremonies as a recreational platform.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, who is a prince in the emirate and holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, was one of those who participated in the event through his representatives
Thousands of people in Zaria trooped out to the streets to join the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for the Sallah durbar, which is the traditional horseriding precession as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, who is a prince in the emirate and holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, was one of those who participated in the event.
As tradition demands, immediately after the Eid prayers at the Kofar Doka, the emir would ride on horseback – or a horse-drawn cart – to his palace, which is a journey of about 10 kilometers.
“As the emir takes his seat in a special historic pavilion, Kafen Daudu, district heads on horseback, would, while demonstrating horse riding skills, pledge allegiance to him. This usually entertains spectators and usually attracts cheers and applause.
Director General of Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), Mal. Abubakar Hassan, who is a traditional title holder from Jema’a Emirate, Said the Hawan Daushe is an opportunity to showcase the Rich traditions of the people, and any Sallah without it is incomplete.
Similarly, Ibrahim Ahmed, Who came with the District Head of Makera in Kaduna South Local Government Area entourage, said the gathering is a period that brings people together and new relationships are created, saying Young people have the opportunity to appreciate their traditions and values.
“They know their history and where they come from through the Hawan Daushe durbar.”
As you can see, even foreigners are here and are being entertained by this rich culture. Other Nigerians come here and they appreciate our culture. This is why the Hawan Daushe durbar is a thing of pride for us. When insurgency forced the stoppage of the cultural display, Sallah became less attractive. Traders that made brisk business during the festival were denied that opportunity. Sallah became soup without salt or tea without sugar.”
Traditionally, after the afternoon obligatory prayers, the emir, in the company of his district heads, moves out from the palace on horseback to go around the ancient city. Hawan Daushe provides an opportunity for residents to meet the emir face-to-face.
