Pomp and Pageantry at Kano Durbar

Ibrahim Shuaibu who witnessed the historic Durbar organised by the Kano Emirate Council under the leadership of Emir Muhammadu Sunusi II, reports that this year’s Durbar showcased the rich culture of Kano people

The popular Hausa adage of “Kano koda me kazo an fika”, meaning “Kano is home to everything” and the thrill of spectators who witnessed the 2016 eid Durbar popularly known in Hausa tradition as Hawan Daushe whereby all citizens of the state from far and near troop out in large numbers to witness the historic festival.

For those wondering, Durbar literally means procession of horses and is as old as Kano people who usually observe the popular Hawan Daushe, a day after the end of the congregation of eid. People dress in their traditional regalia and other attractive attires aimed at expressing their happiness over the observation of the Sallah and completion of the Ramadan fast.

Kano’s Hawan Daushe is the best and well organised horse riding in the traditional history of Kano where horse riders rode horses from Kofar Kwaru to their final destination at Kofar Kudu, a place where the Emir and his visitors are received with applauds and greetings from the people.

The Durbar is very colorful because diplomats and top government officials grace the occasion to witness the rich culture and traditional outfits of Kano people.

The traditional Sallah Durbah tagged ‘Hawan Daushe/Hawan Babban Daki/Hawan Yamma’ is one of the traditional Durbah functions that commences on the second day of every eid.

Emir Sanusi II and his entourage observed the Hawan Daushe amid praises and greetings from the people who thronged either sides of the road.

When he arrived at Babban Daki, the Emir greeted his mother and later proceeded to the venue of the Durbar where the state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other guests received greetings from district heads, traditional title holders and horse riders.

Muhammadu Sanusi II was crowned as Emir of Kano June 8, 2014 as the Emir of Kano. He was pronounced as the Emir at a short press briefing addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, at the Government House, Kano. He succeeded late Alhaji Ado Bayero. The Hawan Daushe was not organised for sometime because of problems of insecurity necessitated by terrorists attacks. However, this year the story changed as the traditional Durbar came back with all its glamour.

As early as 12 noon, horse riders dressed in their beautiful attires started to march towards the Emir’s palace. They came from the different directions such as Gidan Shettima, Shahuci, Kofar Naisa and Kofar Dan’agundi.

The Emir and the entire district heads headed for Gwangwazo quarters to pay Sallah homage to the mother of the Emir as demands by the tradition. Right from there, the whole entourage moved to the Emir’s palace where dignitaries sat down to receive the Emir around 5pm. The Durbar was simply colourful.
Over 10,000 horses graced the occasion to showcase their solidarity and loyalty to the Emir of Kano and the emirate as they continue to sustain the tradition of the people of Kano.

Before the ceremony came to an end, the Emir sat down with the invited guests and watched the spectacular horse racing which is the most important aspect of the whole event.

The horse riders adorned themselves and their horses with attractive attires that are highly attractive to the teeming people who gathered to witness the historic and traditional Durbar.
Among the top government officials that witnessed this year’s Durbar were Governor Ganduje who happened to be the chief host and he played a prominent role in providing security as well as enabling environment for the occasion to go smoothly.
The Durbar was also attended by the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Amina Mohammed along with some members of National Assembly and diplomats from various countries who were accorded the hospitality of Kano and its people.

Kano State was among the Northern states that suffered Boko Haram attacks in the past especially on Sallah day, but with the peaceful conduct of Sallah Durbar the whole world would now believe that the state is now enjoying peace.

Many people interviewed by THISDAY in Kano said that the 2016 Sallah Durbar was among the best Durbar in Kano under the leadership of Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Emir Sanusi II merely continued with what he inherited from his forefathers and even introduced some new innovations which will continue to showcase Kano emirate as the leading traditional institution in the north.

The Emir dressed in normal traditional attire which was a testimony that the city is home to culture and tradition. He was surrounded with palace guards popularly known as ‘Dogarai’ who were busy hailing and praising him with their traditional accolades.

People from all over the state also gathered in colourful dressing and took a centre stage in various locations and expressed their joy for witnessing the celebration under the leadership of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Among those that witnessed the celebration are Chinese communities residing in the state who are always identifying themselves with Kano tradition and culture because of the hospitality always provided to them in their normal commercial activities.

An Igbo tourist from Enugu State, Elder Tochukwu Edem who could not hide his joy said, “I love the rich culture of Kano. I came all the way from Enugu State and witnessed this celebration; it’s very attractive and peaceful.”

Young ladies and their friends also gathered exchanging pleasantries with one another for witnessing this historic day under the leadership of Emir Sanusi II.

However, one of the residents of Kano Mallam Habib Muhammad who works in Abuja but came back to Kano to witness the occasion, said he and members of his family have enjoyed the peaceful conduct of all Sallah festivities despite the economic setback in the country.

He commended Kano residents and the security agencies over the role they played to ensure security of lives and property during Sallah festivities.