Following a statewide ban imposed by the Kano State government on the celebration of “Kauyawa Day”—a cultural practice typically observed by brides and their bridesmaids during wedding ceremonies—residents have been sharing mixed reactions.

Kauyawa Day is traditionally observed by friends and relatives of the bride and groom, typically taking place a day or two before the main wedding ceremony.

The celebration features vibrant gatherings where attendees dress in traditional attire. Cultural items such as indigenous foods and local fruits served in traditional cauldrons are prominently displayed.

However, over time, the event has evolved into a more extravagant affair, often marked by loud music, flamboyant dancing, and the widespread sharing of videos on social media, developments that have sparked criticism from various segments of society.

Kano State Censorship Board said the ban is part of a broader effort to eliminate wedding practices considered incompatible with public morality and societal norms.

The board said the trend not only deviates from traditional Hausa culture but also promotes behaviour deemed inappropriate.

The board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman, in a statement, quoted its chairman, Abba El-Mustapha, as reiterating the government’s commitment to “preserving societal values and ensuring peace” in Kano State.

He announced that all event centres and party halls are now prohibited from hosting “Kauyawa Day” activities, pending a review of operational guidelines.

El-Mustapha also revealed that joint operations with law enforcement agencies will be launched to enforce compliance, with local vigilante groups and the Hisbah Corps monitoring gatherings.

Residents, event centres back government ban

Hafsat Isah, a 25-year-old resident, described Kauyawa Day as a celebration day, primarily for brides, where they and their friends dress in traditional attire and gather at a designated venue to mark the wedding festivities. Initially, it featured performances of classic Hausa songs and traditional dances such as Kidan Kwarya, aiming to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.

However, Hafsat explained that over time, the event evolved into something quite different.

“It was originally meant to remind the younger generation of our roots. But now, it has turned into an occasion where girls dress provocatively and dance in indecent ways. Many of these performances are recorded and shared widely on social media,” she said.

She added that the shift in the event’s nature has prompted many parents to ban their daughters from attending.

“When my father saw some of the videos circulating online, he strictly prohibited me from participating. I know many parents who have taken similar decisions,” Hafsat said.

Similarly, 53-year-old Hajiya Mama Halima argued that Kauyawa Day has no roots in authentic Hausa culture.

“This is a recent innovation disguised as tradition. We are familiar with Kamu, Lalle, Gudu, Zaman Ajo, and Tasani, but ‘Kauyawa Day’ is not one of them.

“The way young girls dress in tight-fitting clothes during the event is disturbing. I am relieved the government has intervened,” she said.

On the other hand, Mustapha Dady, a DJ with over a decade of experience performing at weddings, linked the rise of Kauyawa Day to the influence of Kannywood—the Hausa-language film industry.

He explained that celebrities began introducing themed events like Indian Night, Mother’s Night, and Kauyawa Night during their weddings, which soon gained popularity among the general public.

“Eventually, the public started imitating these lavish celebrations. Since not everyone could afford to host multiple themed nights, they settled for Kauyawa Night, which was later renamed Kauyawa Day.

“In my experience as a DJ, this entire concept was birthed by Kannywood, not traditional Hausa culture,” he said.

As public opinion remains divided, the government stands firm on its decision, insisting it is necessary to protect cultural integrity and promote moral standards in Kano State.

Hajiya Fatima Aneef, the Welfare Officer of the Kano State Event Centres Association, has expressed full support for the state government’s ban on Kauyawa Day, describing the event as culturally baseless and morally troubling.

She noted with concern the manner in which young girls and boys gather and dance during these celebrations, stating that the practice lacks any foundation in Hausa tradition.

She said Kauyawa Day events are rarely held at official event centres, but rather in selected community locations chosen by the brides themselves.

“Indeed, the way and manner these young girls dress to attend the so-called Kauyawa Day is worrisome. No sane society will allow such activities to continue,” she said.

Hajiya Fatima reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting any initiative that protects the moral values of the people.

“Our association will always stand by any action taken by the state government that seeks to protect and guide the lives of Kano residents. We are in full support of this ban,” she added.

Professor Tijjani Muhammed Naniya, a renowned historian from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), also weighed in on the debate, stating that Kauyawa Day has no roots in Hausa culture.

He described it as a recent invention introduced to prolong wedding festivities, one that contradicts both religious teachings and traditional norms.

“This is a modern innovation, likely introduced by movie stars who have influenced public perception.

“These entertainers travelled to various communities, bringing with them practices that many people mistakenly believed to be part of Hausa culture, simply because the actors themselves are Hausa. But let me be clear: Kauyawa Day is not part of our cultural heritage,” Professor Naniya said.

He said traditional Hausa celebrations do not include the kind of behaviour observed during Kauyawa Day. “It is not in Hausa culture to dress or dance in such a manner,” he added.

Sheikh Ali Dan Abba, Chief Imam of the Millati Ibrahim Friday Mosque in Kano, said Kauyawa Day violates Islamic principles.

He said Islam does not permit acts where women expose parts of their bodies by wearing tight or revealing clothing in the name of celebration.

He also condemned the intermingling of young men and women at such events, asserting that the religion frowns upon unnecessary gender mixing.

“Islam does not support gatherings where boys and girls mingle freely or where girls wear indecent clothing,” he said.

The cleric applauded the Kano State government for taking decisive action.

He said, “What the government did is commendable. It aligns with Islamic teachings and will help correct misunderstandings about our culture.

“In fact, even villagers, whom these celebrations claim to emulate, do not dress so callously. Of what benefit is it to look like a ‘villager’ when even the villagers don’t behave this way?” (Daily Trust)