Wedding Fatiha is the religious ceremony which is usually hosted and attended by the men in both families. In the Hausa culture, a representative from the groom and bride’s family, a religious leader and many invited guests gather at a mosque where prayers are offered.
This is actually the most significant event of the entire wedding ceremony because it marks the “husband and wife” union. A reception for the men follows immediately.
While this was going on, we had our makeup done and had breakfast (masa, small chops and sauce).
A few hours later, we moved to the bride’s family’s house (Gandun Albasa). We greeted guests, ate, relaxed and took photos with the bride and her family while waiting for the wedding lunch.
After some hours, it was time for the wedding lunch which eventually turned into a dinner as it started after 6pm. When the event started proper, dignitaries were introduced and recognized. The bride’s mother and groom’s mother were ushered in differently with their friends.
The bride’s father (Dan Malikin Kano) was ushered in after which the event started proper with the bridal train marching/dancing in first. We took our places along the path to be walked by the newly weds and cheered them as the walked down to take their seat.
The rest of the night was filled with food, drinks, music, dance, laughter and games. I especially loved the game played. The bride and groom were made to sit with their backs against a group of selected ‘crazy friends’.
They took turns to give tasks to the group of friends and the last to return leaves the game till there’s a last man/woman standing. They were given tasks such as “bring an iPhone charger, bring 5k, get a hat, mix coke and Fanta in a glass and return before everyone else, etc.
At the end of all the dancing and fun, we went back to our ‘Frat house’, freshened up and had a surprise birthday get together for the bride’s elder brother. Everyone started saying their goodbyes as most of us weren’t going to accompany the bride to Katsina (her new home) on day 4.
It was such a fun weekend that I’ll never forget. I had so much fun and ate too much food. The bride was such a calm and energetic bride, I don’t know how she managed to literally party for 3 days. She was active in all the events and danced as much as us.
Day 4 was Kai Amarya (the day the bride was accompanied to her new home in Katsina by friends) and departure day for the people who didn’t go to Katsina. I had a very crazy encounter on my return trip to Abuja, you can’t even imagine what happened.
If you missed Day 1 and Day 2, now is the time to catch up!
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Xx!
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