The Durbar festival is an annual cultural, religious and equestrian festival, celebrated as a core part of the Arewa (Northern Nigerian) Hausa culture. Durbar has existed for centuries and is as an essential part of Hausa Kingdoms and Hausa tradition. Durbar is a paramount part of Hausa cultural rites, tradition and history and the Hausa are renowned in history as ancient horsemen and warriors of the Sahara and the Sahel. Durbar is performed in several northern cities of Nigeria, which include the original ancient Hausa Emirates are such as Kano, Katsina, Lafia, Gombe, Akko Emirate, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi, Bida, and Ilorin. The festival is usually celebrated by these Emirates city following the end of Ramadan and also coincides with the Muslim festivities of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitri. Kano Durbar Festival is Northern Nigeria's (Arewa) Most Spectacular Tribal Horse parade which marks the celebration of Hausa Kingdom's cultural treasure. It begins with prayers at dawn, followed by a colourful mounted parade of the Emir and his retinue of horsemen, musicians, and artillerymen. At the Durbar festivals noblemen travel to pay homage to the Emir and reaffirm their loyalty to their various emirates. The festival dates back to the 14th century in Kano, the Emirate of Hausa Kingdom and the largest city in Northern Nigeria. The Kano durbar festival is a four-day extravaganza of opulence, horsemanship, and street parades.
History Pre-colonial era The Jahi race is the Durbar's centrepiece and the Hawan Daushe's final item on the programme. Several horse riders in the emirate charge full speed towards the emir, then abruptly stop when they approach him and wave their sword or flag before exiting. The Emir and his entourage ride through a number of quarters housing historically significant families before returning to the palace via the Kofar Kudu gate for the Jahi - the horsemen's salute. The Palace guards march into position after the Jahi and fire several gunshots into the air, signaling the end of the Hawan Daushe Durbar. Hawan Sallah – the Festival Riding, followed by Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nassarawa, and Hawan Doriya. The most fascinating and impressive aspect of the Durbar celebration is the Hawan Daushe, which also includes the "Jahi", which attracts viewers from all over the world. The Hawan Daushe began as the Emir and his entourage ride out of Gidan Rumfa – the Emir's Palace, past Kofar Kwaru to Babban Daki – the palace of the Queen Mother, where he pays tribute to his mother.
In December 2024, the festival was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible cultural heritage.
See also Festivals in Nigeria
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