Sharo festival, one of the most populous festivals in Nigeria, is a culture wonderland. Nigeria is home to different art forms, music genres, and traditions that reflect the country’s history, beliefs, and values.
With over 365 festivals celebrated across its 36 states, Nigeria showcases its cultural diversity and richness through these lively celebrations. Each of these festivals celebrated at different times of the year, offers a unique glimpse into the traditions and customs of the various tribes in Nigeria.
However, this guide will focus on one such festival, the Sharo Festival, celebrated by the Fulani tribe, predominantly found in Northern Nigeria.
The Origin of Sharo Festival
The Sharo Festival, a cultural event deeply rooted in the traditions of the Fulani people is a captivating display of bravery, endurance, and communal celebration. This festival, also known as the “flogging festival,” serves as a rite of passage for young Fulani men, marking their transition from adolescence to manhood.
The Fulani people are known to inhabit mainly parts of West Africa with a high population in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. They are predominantly Muslims and are known to be adherents of Islamic doctrines. The men are mostly nomadic and pastoral herdsmen, known for their bravery, courage, and hard work.
The term “Sharo” is a Fulani word that means to flog. The festival is a long-standing tradition in Fulani culture to prove if a young man has come of age and is mature enough to take a spouse.
The Sharo Dance and The Ritual of Flogging
The Sharo dance is an integral part of the festival. As the flogging starts, contenders are expected to sing and dance, a sign of bravery and strength. This dance is not just a form of entertainment but also a mode of communication deeply entrenched in the expressive moves of the Sharo dance.
The festival’s main attraction is a public flogging contest where participants demonstrate strength and bravery. The floggers, referred to as “Daban Kai” or “Bari,” take turns to flog each other with a long whip. The crowd cheers and sings as the floggers demonstrate their resilience despite the painful blows.
The families of the contenders watch and pray not to be disgraced by their sons because a son who cannot endure the pain that comes with flogging brings disgrace to the family. To avoid shame and disgrace, most contenders before the Sharo festival day would have gone to fortify themselves by spiritual means to reduce the pain felt during the flogging period.
The flogging, which would leave scars on the proud contenders, is believed to be a mark of courage and a successful transition to manhood. After the flogging, the brave boys become men and are permitted to marry the girl of their choice.
Read also: The Igbo marriage system and its cultural significance
Sometimes, when there’s a dispute over a lady or two boys are vying for her attention, they settle it with Sharo. During the Sharo, they challenge each other to endure flogging, and the one who withstands it or emerges as the winner gets the girl, while the defeated one bows out.
During the festival, there is a Referee who ensures that the rules of the game are strictly followed. He has the power to stop the flogging if he sees any foul play by either party, any contender surrenders, the injury recorded by either contender is severe, or anything he sees is not right.
The Festival and Cultural Significance
The Sharo Festival is held twice a year in the Fulani community. The first is held during the dry season during the period of guinea corn harvesting preparation, while the second festival in a year is performed during the Muslim Celebration Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Ileya.
The Sharo festival lasts for a week and is usually held in open spaces such as fields, village squares, and marketplaces. The festival begins with various forms of skits from maiden dancers and tricksters. The central focus of the festivity only begins with the arrival of bare-chested, unmarried young men who are accompanied to the center ring by beautiful young girls.
The Sharo Festival has profound symbolic significance. The floggings represent life’s challenges and hardships and the ability to persevere in the face of them. It is a test of character and a demonstration of one’s readiness to accept adult responsibilities. The festival also emphasizes the important values of honor, courage, and community cohesion in Fulani society.
Conclusion
The Sharo Festival is a fascinating cultural event that testifies to the resilience, bravery, and enduring spirit of the Fulani people. Despite the physical pain involved, the festival is a celebration of life, community, and the transition to manhood.
While the Sharo Festival remains an integral part of Fulani culture, it faces challenges in preserving its authenticity and relevance in the face of modernization and urbanization. Efforts are being made by Fulani communities and cultural organizations to ensure the continuity of this tradition, safeguarding it for future generations.