So for the very first time I got to see a durbar live on Thursday! I have never gotten a chance to appreciate its beauty and significance till now.
I travelled down to Bida here in Niger state to watch the durbar which is known as 'Bariki'.
Basically, the inhabitants of the town gather round particular roadsides in the town starting from the emir's palace. The members of the royal council all ride around the town on horse back. Somewhere in between all of them the Etsu Nupe himself rides on horse back too. He throws kola nuts to his subjects as he rides by.
The Bariki was well attended this Eid as the crowds were large and very much excited. It's amazing how they come out every year to watch the durbar without getting bored.
The crowd few hours before the bariki started.
This is the 'Etsu erwagi,' the Emir of the crippled.
The Etsu Nupe waves to his subjects as he rides by
Meet the knife man, he cuts himself several times but the knife does not penetrate his skin!
The Emir's Kolanut
I got to take a picture next to one of the riders...yay!!!
Do leave your thoughts and comments!
No comments:
Post a Comment