The famous “Hawan Bariki” a traditional procession Durbar, During Sallah Festivities in Zaria. The practice Hawan Bariki dates back to the advent of colonialism, a period when Northern Emirates fell into the hands of British colonial rulers. The Emirs were then required to pay homage on horseback to colonial Residents and Governors residing in secluded areas outside the precinct walled towns popularly known as ‘Bariki’ in Hausa. The occasion provided the Emir to ride through the town and meet the people amidst pomp and pageantry. It became so popular that even after independence in 1960, people felt the need to continue with it consequently, Hawan Bariki has today become a big cultural event in all the Emirates of Northern Nigeria.
The Hawan Bariki in Zazzau Emirate started in the 1940s specially to mark Eid-El-fitr Salah celebrations. The practice continued in Zazzau Emirate up to the last days of colonial government and it was some time continued but not always due to the lack of enough time from top government official holding responsibility similar to that of the Governor.