DINTIGI (BUKUM FESTIVAL) CELEBRATION IN LARABANGA

 A PLACE TO VISIT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE DINTIGI (BUKUM FESTIVAL) CELEBRATION

Larabanga is located in the West Gonja Municipality of Ghana's Savannah Region. It is 120 kilometres south of Tamale, 15 kilometres west of Damongo, and adjacent to Mole National Park. A tiny Muslim population with a rich history has settled on this plateau, exploiting the great expanse of land for cultivation (yam, cassava, maize, millet, and guinea corn) and animal breeding (cows, goats, sheep, poultry, and guinea fowl). The village also employs natural resources to shelter itself, with all of its building materials made of clayey earth. This synergy between the people and their surroundings has resulted in a distinctive traditional architecture that has been preserved by the community in such a way that everyone can appreciate and profit from it.

Today, Islam is practised throughout West Africa, and Larabanga has become an important pilgrimage site. Imam Yidan Braimah realised the necessity of having the Koran after the death of Ndewura Jakpa. Previously, Mecca had only seven Coranic manuscripts. According to religious belief, one of the seven Korans in Mecca was given to him from heaven while he worshipped at a sacred site known as the "sacred stone." This Koran is now retained in the community and is read publicly once a year to commemorate the Muslim new year during the fire festival. This wonderful event, which also commemorates the arrival of the Koran in the community, draws a large number of devout worshippers who come to hear Koranic readings outside the old mosque. Private readings are also arranged on request for people who have important difficulties to solve or who desire spiritual protection in their endeavours. In exchange for the readings, the Chief Imam seeks the sacrifice of a cow and other donations for the community. Larabanga has a population of approximately 10,000 people. They are the most significant of the six Kamara communities in West Africa.

The administrative framework established by Imam Yidan Braimah has been preserved. He constructed a home for each of his twelve children. These "twelve houses" continue to serve as the village's administrative system, and in order to be called a Kamara, one must be a member of one of the local clans. The village's traditional authority is the council of 12 elders, which consists of the senior member of each clan. The council is presided over by the Chief Imam, the community's spiritual leader, who is aided by the Chief of the village and the Tingkpema, who oversees environmental purity. Another important member of the community is the Assemblyman, who oversees projects and resolves disputes. He also serves as the regional government's local representative and participates in decision-making procedures. The Unit Committee, a committee of 10 elected and 5 appointed members of the community, oversees the daily activities of the village.


ARTICLE BY

ALHASSAN ABDUL-RAUF




Location: Larabanga, Ghana

Comments

Anonymous said…
Nice work
July 31, 2023 at 11:45 AM
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