By Hadiza Musa Yusuf
Mammoth crowds gathered in Kano metropolis for Takutaha celebration, to commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The 12th day of Rabi’u Awwal, which is the third month in the Islamic Calendar, marks the birthday of the holy Prophet (SAW). Consequently, the 19th day of this month is celebrated as the day of the naming ceremony.
This is the day on which the people of Kano celebrate the Takutaha.
Recall that the state government declared Wednesday as a public holiday for the celebration.
Our correspondence, Salisu Hamisu, in an interview with the Sharu, Sani Janbulo revealed that the event have been going on for over 20 years.
He said, “Today we came out to celebrate the birth of our beloved prophet, peace, blessings and salutations be upon him.
“We spent three days in Janbulo celebrating the birth of the Prophet and today been the fourth day is Takutaha.”
He said the celebration is also a time for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings and to learn more about his life.
He added that the purpose of the celebration is also to show love, happiness and visit friends and family.
The celebrations began with a procession from Janbulo to Tal’udu to Mandawari to Kano metropolis.
The procession was filled with people from different states who came to Kano to celebrate the birth of the Prophet.
Umar Abubakar, from Benue State, said that he came to Kano to celebrate the birth of the Prophet.
He advised people to follow the path of the prophet.
Ibrahim Nasidi, Chairman Jama’atu Media Team said that everyone was happy to be in Kano to celebrate the birth of the Prophet.
Abdulkadir Zubair from Rijiyar Zaki expressed his happiness and prayed that the Muslim Ummah would unite more.
The celebration featured readings from the Holy Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet (Hadith), as well as wearing of new clothes (especially by children).
The celebrations also included religious activities such as lectures, sermons, praises for the holy prophet and prayers.
Prime Time reporter revealed that children were seen sharing meals with chicken and meat.
He also reported that security personnels were present including vigilantes.
For another set of people, the peak of Takutaha event is the large assembly of people on top of the Dala hill on which they eat together and watch some socio-religious entertainment and performances.
