Thrugh

The Damba Festival is an annual celebration by the Dagomba people in Northern Ghana, originally dedicated to the birth and naming of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed. Over time, it has evolved to emphasize traditional customs rather than religious aspects. The festival's name, "Damba," comes from "Damma mba," meaning "Shake my father," invoking drummers' call for the paramount chief, Yani Kpamba, to dance to the Damba drum's rhythm. This reflects both the festival's name and a key dance move in Dagbon culture, blending cultural celebration with rhythmic expression. The festival commences with the sighting of the new moon, officially marking the start of Damba. Activities include learning Damba songs (Yila Bohimbu), mastering Damba dances (Binchera Damba), rice harvesting (Shinkafa Gahimbu), and Naa Damba, commemorating Prophet Mohammed's birth and naming. The concluding stage, Biɛli Kulisi, occurs on the 18th day of the Damba month, serving as a farewell to that year's festivities. Tuo-zaafi is one of the main dishes prepared for the festival. The Damba Festival stands as a vibrant testament to Dagomba cultural heritage, blending religious significance with traditional practices and providing a momentous occasion and unity among the Dagomba people.