The ancient city of Katsina came alive with pomp and pageantry as Hawan Sallah took center stage during the 2026 Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, drawing thousands of residents, dignitaries, and international visitors.
The historical durbar, held shortly after Eid prayers, reflected the enduring cultural heritage of the Katsina Emirate, showcasing centuries-old traditions marked by royal processions, colourful displays, and expressions of loyalty.
At the forefront of the grand procession was the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, who rode majestically on a richly adorned horse, accompanied by district heads, title holders, and royal guards. The procession moved through the historic streets of Kofar Guga before culminating at the Emir’s palace, where subjects paid homage in a symbolic reaffirmation of allegiance.
READ ALSO: Muslims Mark Eid-ul-Fitr In Style, Colour, Joy
The event featured a rich blend of traditional music, synchronised horse-riding displays, and elaborate royal regalia, underscoring the deep historical roots and cultural pride of the people.
Adding international significance to the celebrations, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda hosted a 17-member delegation of foreign diplomats, led by Pieter Leenknegt, who visited the state to witness the Sallah festivities.
The delegation was received at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport before proceeding to Kofar Soro, where they joined other dignitaries to observe the Hawan Sallah procession.
During their two-day visit, the diplomats toured key historical landmarks across Katsina and Daura Emirates, including the iconic Gobarau Minaret and the revered Kusugu Well, both of which hold significant historical and cultural value.
They also attended a cultural night that featured traditional performances and indigenous sporting activities such as Dambe and Kokawa, further highlighting the richness of the region’s heritage.
The cultural showcase extended to Daura, where Governor Radda and the visiting diplomats witnessed the colourful Hawan Magajiya, a key highlight of the Sallah celebrations in the Daura Emirate.
The event featured royal horsemen in an elaborate procession paying homage to the Emir of Daura, alongside traditional title holders and palace guards adorned in full regalia, bringing the emirate’s rich cultural heritage vividly to life.
Governor Radda commended both Katsina and Daura Emirates for preserving their traditions, noting that the sustained practice of such cultural festivals reinforces identity and unity among the people.
He described the presence of foreign diplomats as a clear indication of growing global interest in Katsina’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Security agencies maintained a strong presence across major locations to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration, as large crowds thronged the venues to witness the festivities.
Residents who spoke with Voice of Nigeria’s correspondent described the Hawan Sallah as a vital cultural institution that fosters unity, peace, and communal pride while also serving as a platform for promoting the state’s rich traditions to the global community.
The 2026 Eid-ul-Fitr Hawan Sallah in Katsina and Daura not only marked the successful completion of the Ramadan fast but also stood as a powerful testament to the resilience of tradition and cultural identity.
With the participation of international diplomats and dignitaries, the festival further reinforced Katsina State’s position as a leading hub of cultural heritage and tourism in Nigeria.