Zaar Community to hold 2024 Lemb Zaar Cultural Festival Nov 2nd in Bauchi
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
All is set for the celebration of the famous Lemb Zaar Annual Cultural Festival in Tafawa Balewa town of Bauchi state come November 2nd, 2024.
This was contained in a letter of invitation extended to the National Human Rights Commission Bauchi office by the Supreme Traditional Council of Zaar Chiefs, the letter noted that the festival stands as a vital expression of Zaar cultural identity and heritage.
Addressed to the State Coordinator of the Commission, the letter further explained that the Lemb Zaar annual cultural festival is been observed in alignment with the ancient traditions and religion of the Zaar people.
Titled, “Re: Letter of Invitation and Notification of the Annual Zaar Traditional Cultural Festival (LEMB ZAAR) On Religious Freedom, the letter said that the traditional festival, beyond its cultural significance, is also a manifestation of the Zaar people’s constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as guaranteed under Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. On behalf of the Supreme Traditional Council of Zaar Chiefs and the custodians of Zaar culture, it is my esteemed honor to formally notify your office of the forthcoming Annual Zaar Traditional Cultural Festival, known as Lemb Zaar”, the letter signed by Bitson M. Timothy, Council Secretary Gung Zaar Council said.
It disclosed that the 2024 edition of the Lemb Zaar is scheduled to take place on the 2nd of November 2024, at Central Primary School, Tafawa Balewa.
“As per our longstanding tradition, this significant event is held annually on the first Saturday of November, a day that holds deep meaning and is sacrosanct within the Zaar community and is akin to other nationally recognized traditional and religious celebrations across Nigeria”, the letter emphasized.
It added: “In light of this, we anticipate and trust in the full cooperation of your esteemed Commission in ensuring that the rights of traditional worshippers are upheld and that security measures are in place for the safety and well-being of all participants and attendees”.
The letter expressed confidence that the NHRC, in collaboration with the Zaar Traditional Council, will discharge its responsibilities, providing a safe environment for the peaceful assembly and association for the celebration of the festival without any discrimination.
While expressing optimisms that the commission will attend the festival to enhance the prestige of the occasion, the letter requested the commission to deploy a team of Human Rights Monitors and observers to oversee the conduct of the security personnel during the traditional annual festival.