Eid-El-Fitr: Katsina, Daura Emirates Suspend Durbar Over Insecurity
AREWA AGENDA – The emirates of Katsina and Daura, both in Katsina state, have cancelled public eid-el-fitr celebrations, popularly known as Sallah Durbar, citing security concerns.
They are the two latest locations to cancel the popular horse-riding carnival in the north of the country over insecurity.
The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir issued a statement saying, “In view of kidnappings and banditry taking place around the emirate, and based on advises received from the state government, security agents and health personnel, the emirate will not conduct ‘Hawan-Sallah’ and other festivities during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration,”
Eid prayers – the gathering of multitude of faithful on Eid morning would be conducted accordingly.
A special prayer for “peaceful coexistence” in the state and would also be offered, he said.
Read Also:
The same requests have been made in Daura emirate.
The Durbar festival is an annual horseriding celebration in celebration in several cities of Nigeria including Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zazzau, Bauchi and Bida.
The festival marks the end of Ramadan and also coincides with the Muslim festivities of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitri.
It typically gathers thousands of people, hence the concern of state governments about public health safety.
It begins with prayers, followed by a colourful parade of the Emir and his entourage on horses, accompanied by musicians, and ending at the Emir’s palace.
Durbar festivals are organised in almost all cities of northern Nigeria and has become a major tourist attraction.
In Northern Nigeria, the practices dates back over 200 years.
Arewa Agenda is a Publication of Young writers/journalist from Northern Nigeria towards Peaceful Coexistence and National Development through positive narratives
