Eid el Fitr Durbar in Zaria

saluting the Emir with a handkerchief

The new moon has finally been sighted, this closes the month of Ramadan and marks the first day of Eid el Fitr celebrations. On that day a durbar took place in Zaria. After the morning prayers, a huge procession of thousands of richly clad horse-men is coming to pay hommage to the Emir of Zazzau.

when acrobats compete with traditional horsemen at the Durbar

The men are dressed with elaborate turbans and several layers of richly embroidered clothes. It is a day of celebration and the crowd is immense to witness this parade. Every balcon, roof, tree and street light is crowded people.

on the way to the morning prayer before the Durbar

under his orange-embroidered hood, the Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idriss, arrives at the Palace

The procession is 2 or 3 km long and ends on the square facing the palace of the Emir. Each group of horse-men represent a different clan or family. The head of the clan is usually wearing a white head gear, but colours may vary. If the person belongs to the royal family, the turban will have two ears to indicate it. Men are saluting the Emir by raising their right hand holding a handkerchief. The Emir responds with the same gesture holding a white handkerchief.

the colourful facade of the Palace of Zaria

The Emir is watching from a tribune in his palace and which hosts a number of distinguished guests, nigerian politicians and ambassadors.

a delegation of ambassadors riding at the Durbar

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