Dumba Festival Explained

Dumba Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Wa of the Wala Paramouncy in the Upper West Region of Ghana.[1] [2] [3] [4] It is usually celebrated in the month of September or October.[5] [6] [7]

Celebrations

During the festival, visitors are welcomed to share food and drinks. The people put on traditional clothes and there is durbar of chiefs. There is also dancing and drumming.[8]

Significance

This festival is celebrated to mark an event that took place in the past.[9] This festival serves as an occasion for the people in the area to unite and renew their commitment to the Islamic religion. It is also claimed the Wa Naa life is prolonged if he is able to jump over a tethered cow successfully.[10] [11] The fitness of the chief is assessed as to whether he can continue to rule the people. The body or clothes of the chief must not touch the cow. In case the chief fails, it is said to be a bad omen that he is weak and should not continue to rule.[12]

References

  1. Web site: Dumba Festival: Wa Naa To Launch Education Endowment Fund At 2019. 2020-08-27. Modern Ghana. en.
  2. Web site: 2019-11-15. Photos: Mahama joins 2019 Damba Festival celebration. 2020-08-27. The Ghana Report. en.
  3. Web site: 17 April 2006. Wa-Naa calls for unity in Wala Traditional Area. 2020-08-27. ghanaweb.com. en.
  4. News: Upper West – GWCL - Welcome. en-US. GWCL - Welcome. 2020-08-27.
  5. Web site: Dumba festival. 2020-08-27. blastours.com.
  6. Web site: At the peak of Dumba Festival. 2020-08-27. Graphic Online. en-gb.
  7. Web site: Dumba Festival: Wa Naa To Launch Education Endowment Fund At 2019. 2020-08-27. 24ghana.com. en.
  8. Web site: Major Festivals. 2020-08-21. ghanaembassyiran.com.
  9. Web site: The Consulate General Of The Republic of GHANA in The United Arab Emirates (Dubai). 2020-08-21. ghanaconsulatedubai.com.
  10. Web site: Ghana Festivals – Blastours. 2020-08-27. en-GB.
  11. Web site: National Commission on Culture - Ghana - Upper West Region. 2020-08-27. s158663955.websitehome.co.uk.
  12. Web site: Visit Ghana UPPER WEST REGION. 2020-08-27. Visit Ghana. en-US.