As Zaria residents trooped out for Sallah Durbar

By Femi  Oyelola

The Durbar Festival is possibly the most important traditional festival in the northern part of Nigeria and is held twice a year, on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid-el-Kabir (Feast of the Lamb).

Also known as Sallah or Hawan Daushe, it is celebrated in several cities, including Katsina, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi, Bida, and Ilorin.

The just concluded 2025  Ramadan fast was celebrated with the Eid Fitr and the Durbar Festival in all the aforementioned Emirates.

The Ancient City of Zaria, the headquarters of the Zazzau Emirate, was not an exception as it witnessed wild jubilation as residents and visitors filed out in large numbers in the street to join the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for the Sallah durbar.

Zazzau Emirate is one of the oldest and largest Emirates in northern Nigeria. One account has it that it came into existence way back in the 16th century and that it was founded by Queen Amina of Zaria.

Various traditional accounts also indicated that Zazzau initially emerged during the early days of primitive communities like Kufena much earlier before the manifestation of a figure known as Gunguma as a ruler of Zazzau. It was also said that the ruler of Kufena under Danzau was said to have crafted a mighty sword from a mighty iron found at the Kufena rock.

This sword was subsequently named Zazzau before the arrival of Gunguma. The weapon served as a symbol of power and authority for the rulers of Kufena and was the first prerogative of royalty in the Zazzau Kingdom, a legacy still maintained to date.

In another narrative, a historian in the Department of History, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Dr. Salihu Zubairu Mustapha, said the kingdom, now referred to as Zazzau Emirate, was a major power bloc among the ancient Hausa Kingdoms.

He said that over the centuries, this Emirate was ruled by various dynasties, which included the Hausas, Fulanis, and British colonial administrators. “Today, the Emirate remains a significant cultural and traditional institution in northern Nigeria.”

Dr. Mustapha said because of the unique endowments and tourist attractions of the Emirate, it boasts of cultural and historical monuments like the ancient Zaria City Wall and Gate, the Emir’s Palace, a blend of traditional and modern architectural grandeur, the Zaria City Central Mosque which showcases the Emirate’s history and the famous Zazzau Durbar, a colorful festival that showcases traditional horse-riding and various cultural displays.

In furthering the narrative, Dr. Mustapha said, “Additionally, the current 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, in his transformation agenda, built the first museum and library which attract visitors, tourists and other people from within and outside the country.

“The palace is also fenced with four gates, unlike before when it was opened. The gates were named after various past Emirs from different dynasties, for instance, Mallam Musa from the Mallawa Dynasty, Mallam Yamusa Bare from the Bare Dynasty, Mallam Abdulkarim from the Katsinawa Dynasty, and Lastly, Mallam Abdulsalam from the Sullubawa Dynasty.”

The academician further explained that another transformation by the incumbent Emir is the introduction of what is referred to as Hawan Mai Babba Daki in addition to Hawan Sallah, Hawan Bariki, and Hawan Daushe.

These colorful cultural festivals attract many people from different walks of life within and outside Nigeria with lots of attractive sites such as Kufena, Madarkachi Hills, and others sites.

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 colorful ceremony begins with prayers at dawn, followed by a colorful mounted parade of the Emir and his retinue of horsemen, musicians, and artillerymen.

At the Zazzau Durbar festivals noblemen travel to pay homage to the Emir and reaffirm their loyalty to their various emirates.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani, was in attendance.

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, demonstrated 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

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, adding that 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 round the ancient city. Hawan Daushe provides an opportunity for residents to meet the emir face-to-face.

Zazzau Emirate, like other traditional institutions, plays a vital role in molding morality in the society as custodians of cultural heritage and traditional values. The Durbar festival is, therefore, a dimension to showcase the traditions and ensures it is passed on to the next generation.

The Emir of Zazzau in person of His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and other traditional rulers provide guidance on moral issues, promote cultural and social norms, encourage community service and volunteerism, and foster a sense of community and social cohesion.

The sense of royalty in traditional institutions in Nigeria is as deep as the sense of history, culture, and tradition. It is a strong connection with the community and the land, a commitment to upholding the values and principles of traditional authority, a sense of responsibility, and accountability to the subjects and the community.

This is what the Zazzau Kingdom does not lack. The beauty and aura that embody every aspect of the kingdom are a delight to behold and a source of attraction to the Emirate.

No wonder, in moments of celebration like Sallah, tourists throng the Emirate to witness the colorful ceremony and the royalty that is attached to the throne, and the Emirate agog with celebrations and funfair during the Hawan Daushe Durbar.