Breathtaking Pictures From Sallah Homage and Durbar in Niger State [Photos]
The Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare.
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Durbar 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 military chiefs invited the various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs. During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate.
Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honor of visiting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el Fitri (commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorating Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son).
Of all the modern day Durbar festivals, Niger State Durbar is one of the most magnificent and spectacular. Id-el-Kabir, or Sallah Day, in Niger State begins with prayers, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace where each village group, district, and noble house take their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.
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Emir and his entourage on horses, accompanied by music players then proceed to the Government House where they are received by the Executive Governor.
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The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. This fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of performing a fascinating sideshow to behold.
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After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion reigns. Scroll down for more photos.
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Durbar 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 military chiefs invited the various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs. During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate.
Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honor of visiting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el Fitri (commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorating Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son).
Of all the modern day Durbar festivals, Niger State Durbar is one of the most magnificent and spectacular. Id-el-Kabir, or Sallah Day, in Niger State begins with prayers, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace where each village group, district, and noble house take their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.
The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. This fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of performing a fascinating sideshow to behold.
After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion reigns. Scroll down for more photos.
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| Emir of Minna HRH Alhaji Umar Faruq Bahago |
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| HRH Alhaji Umar Faruq Bahago |
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| Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu |
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| PHOTOS BY AdamsDfotographer |
Breathtaking Pictures From Sallah Homage and Durbar in Niger State [Photos]
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Reviewed by Msl
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Reviewed by Msl
on
6:00 pm
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