Eid-ul-Fitr: Horse-riding procession unites Muslim communities in Accra

Several Muslim communities in Accra celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr with a lively horse-riding procession and durbar to make merry and build unity.

The event is said to have deep cultural and religious significance for Muslim communities, and brought together members of various communities for a day of fun.

The procession featured Muslim chiefs, community leaders and other figures riding horses through the Accra Zongo Lane neighbourhoods, accompanied by drumming, dancing,  praise singing from beautifully clad community members.

A sub-chief of the Baribari community, Chief Yaya Lukman Zenua, explained that this tradition was rooted in Islamic history.

“It’s been there since the time of our Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. At times like this, they also used to ride horses and make merry,” he said.

The celebration featured ethnic groups such as the Kanuri (Baribari), Hausa, Wangara, Fulani, and communities such as Adabraka, Tudu and Nima.

According to Chief Zenua, while some communities would organise their own activities, many would come together for this shared tradition.

“Some people in the communities do their own thing, but most communities take part in the procession.

Some even pay for their own horses just to join and make merry,” he stated.

This annual event typically takes place on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr unless circumstances such as bans on drumming and noise-making necessitate adjustments, the Chief explained.

Chief Zenua also mentioned that similar celebrations occurred in other countries showcase the shared cultural heritage among Muslims worldwide.

On the question of where horses were hired for the procession, a horse rider, Masoud Laryea, who rode with the Tudu community chief’s group, mentioned that he typically rode horses owned by his grandfather, but that others hired them from places like the Accra Polo Club or other local stables.

Masoud stated that he was driven by a deep appreciation for the cultural significance and beauty of the event.

“I ride for the love of the culture and my religion. It’s also a very memorable and nice procession,” he said.

The procession added vibrancy to the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities in Accra, showing the unity and cultural richness of Islamic communities.