The happiness of brides and their celebrations with a village motif has been cut short just days before Kano’s wedding season resumes.
Due to suspected obscene behavior by young ladies, the Kano State Censorship Board declared a statewide ban on Kauyawa Day on May 17, 2025.
The traditional cultural celebration known as “Kauyawa Day” is mostly observed in northern Nigeria, particularly by Hausa people.
The Hausa word “Kauyawa” means “villagers,” which reflects the event’s focus on rural traditions and beauty. Usually arranged by the bride’s female friends and family a day or two prior to the wedding, Kauyawa Day is a celebration where guests dress in traditional village garb, sing and dance, and sample regional cuisine.
However, the board disclosed that it decided to implement the restriction in order to protect “societal values” and stop what it called “unacceptable behavior.”
As part of the new measures, until current regulations are reviewed and modified, event venues and party halls are not allowed to host any activities related to “Kauyawa Day.”
“To guarantee that the law is strictly enforced, the Board will collaborate closely with security authorities.
The Hisbah Board and neighborhood vigilante organizations will also be enlisted to aid with compliance initiatives. In order to increase public understanding and support for the policy, the Board also intends to work with youth organizations and community elders, the Board stated in a statement.
Residents’ opinions to the decision have been divided, with some questioning if culture is being preserved or lost.
Darmanawa resident Fatima Muhammad was extremely disappointed by Kano State’s recent decision to outlaw Kauyawa Day.
She disclosed that the event’s postponement had upset her emotionally, particularly since her best friend’s wedding was quickly approaching.
Weddings are the only occasion when ladies genuinely enjoy themselves.
According to her, women typically plan for Kauyawa Day weeks in advance, choosing traditional clothing, writing songs, and practicing dances that capture the essence of village life.
“It’s our nishadi, our way of expressing joy,” she continued.
She agreed that although some people could act in ways that are not culturally appropriate on Kauyawa Day, that shouldn’t be an excuse for depriving others the chance to celebrate in a respectable and joyous way.
Farawa resident Rabiu Musa referred to the prohibition of Kauyawa Day as unfair and demanded that it be immediately lifted.
“This decision is completely incorrect and ought to be overturned right away. Together, we must speak up to make sure it is overturned.
Rabiu warned that the action would cause Hausa identity to erode and denounced it as an attempt at cultural uniformity.
“What the Kano State Government is doing amounts to cultural homogenization, while global communities are encouraging cultural creativity,” he clarified.
People are becoming disconnected from their cultural customs and beliefs as a result of it. Our rapidly vanishing traditions are given importance and vitality by the inventiveness of celebrations such as Kauyawa Day.
He also underlined the prohibition’s wider effects on cultural preservation.
He declared, “What the government is attempting to do will destroy our cultural norms and values, and eventually our entire identity.”
“Every community has a unique identity, and cultural events and programs help to preserve that identity.”
According to Rabiu, one of the hallmarks of Hausa wedding festivities is Kauyawa Day.
“People are reminded of their identity, origins, and rich cultural heritage by these events,” he continued.
One of the distinctive features of Hausa marriages that sets them apart from Western society is Kauyawa Day. It contributes to the genuine specialness of our weddings.
Finally, he called on the government to change its mind.
He went on to say, “This decision is uncalled for and should be reversed immediately.”
But proponents of the prohibition, such as some traditionalists and priests, contend that Kauyawa Day has deviated too much from its original intent.
The prohibition of Kauyawa Day was long overdue, according to Ghari LGA resident Nazeeru Dalhat.
“This choice ought to have been made far sooner. Today’s celebration of Kauyawa Day is incompatible with Hausa customs and culture.
He voiced concern about certain participants’ conduct, especially that of those from rural areas.
He claimed that women now use the cover of Kauyawa to commit behaviors that go against our traditions, including their attire, dances, and general demeanor.
Nazeeru said that Hausa values might suffer if the festivities were allowed to go on unchecked.
“This will corrupt our people’s character and behavior if it is allowed to continue,” he continued. “I wholeheartedly endorse the ban.”
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The prohibition of Kauyawa Day was backed by Nazir Nuhu, an Islamic scholar in Mariri, who claimed that the custom is based on cultural customs that have been embraced over time rather than Islam.
He declared, “Kauyawa Day is not Islamic.” “It is not supported by Sharia; it is just a cultural practice.”
He called the measure a step toward cleansing society and praised the Kano State Censorship Board for adopting it.
“This endeavor to reestablish moral discipline is praiseworthy. “Whoever sees something wrong should change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart,” the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated.
Nazir underlined that it is obvious that the activities of Kauyawa Day go against Islamic principles.
Take a look at their attire for these occasions. It’s everything but modest,” he continued.
Moral degradation is already being caused by this tendency, which has only been going on for a short time. The right thing to do is to stop it immediately.
In the end, the prohibition of Kauyawa Day draws attention to the continuous conflict in Kano between morality and cultural preservation.
The ruling presents significant issues regarding who gets to define culture and celebrate it, as voices in favor and against it continue to grow. Many contend that suppressing such traditions runs the risk of eliminating the people’s identity, even though the government maintains that it is defending societal ideals. The ruling will have a long-term effect on Kano’s celebration of culture, whether it is overturned or upheld.
