Katsina State

The Gani is an annual cultural festival celebrated in the ancient city of Daura. The Festival derived its name from the Hausa word ‘Gani’ which means “meeting”. The festival took a new form with the introduction of Islam in Daura. It is now the Islamic festival of Eid-el Maulud to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). During the occasion, a colorful durbar is led by the Emir amidst drumming, singing, dancing, acrobatic displays, and comedy. A display of horsemanship, costumes, attires, and historical artifacts is put on display at the festival. Gani is celebrated every 12th of Rabiul Awwal of the Islamic calendar.

Kalankuwa is a post-harvest youth festival that started in 1935 and was performed in celebration of the successful completion of the cropping season. The celebration is also to celebrate the coming of "Kaka" - a time of prosperity, abundant food, increased economic and social activities. An important activity that takes place during this festival is a kind of drama. In this drama, the youth imitate the Hausa traditional form of authority, which highlights the role of Sarki (King) as the political head of the community and the custodian of the people’s culture. Other activities like the Kalankuwa traditional wrestling, boxing, singing and dancing also take place. Kalankuwa takes place annually in villages like Shinkafi, Dankanjiba, Dutsen Safe, Rimin Guza, etc.