Everything You Need to Know About Eidul Kabir in Northern Nigeria

Everything You Need to Know About Eidul Kabir in Northern Nigeria

Eid Kabir, also known as “Eid ul-Adha” or “Eid Qurban”, is the most important festival among the three grand festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide annually, including in northern Nigeria. The other two are “Eid Fitr” and “Eid Maulud.” 

Eid Kabir is also celebrated to mark the ending of “Hajj”, the pious pilgrimage to the city of Makkah, and observed on the very last day of the religious journey. The festival is celebrated on the tenth day of ‘Dhul Hijjah’, which is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the date shifts approximately eleven days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This celebration of Eid Kabir goes on extending up to the thirteenth day of Dhul Hijjah. 

Origin/History and Significance of Eid Kabir to Muslims

Eid Kabir, also known also as Eid Qurban or Eid ul-Adha, both meaning “Festival of the Sacrifice”, traces its origin from the story of Prophet Ibrahim according to the Quran.

Prophet Ibrahim had made prayer and promised to God to sacrifice a child of his own if God blessed him with children. After being granted his wish by God, the oath Prophet Ibrahim made visited him in his dreams where he dreamt he was slaughtering his firstborn son named Ismail. He then informed Ismail about the dream, who insisted that his father fulfill God’s command.

Ibrahim then took Ismail to ‘Mount Moriah’ where he intended to carry out his intentions. The devil (Shaytan) however, did not like the decision Ibrahim had made to obey God. So he tried persuading him not to.

But the prophet did not listen, with the help of ‘Angel Jibreel’, he threw pebbles at Shaytan in order to drive him away from the scene. After he succeeded and Shaytan was gone, Ibrahim proceeded further to carry out his intended act. However, God in his infinite mercy looked upon the dutiful heart of Ibrahim and sent Angel Jibreel a ‘ram’ in order to give to Ibrahim to replace Ismail for the intended sacrifice. Hence, Ismail was saved.

Eid Kabir since then has been celebrated annually by Muslims across the world to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command and fulfillment of his promise. Each year, Muslims on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah sacrificed rams to celebrate this festival. In its absence, sacrificed cows, goats, and camels are used.

Eid Activities in Northern Nigeria

Festivals are a time to play songs people know and are looking forward to hearing.

Here in northern Nigeria, Eid Kabir also known as ‘Babban Sallah’ or ‘Sallan Layya’ is celebrated by Muslims before and during the festival in so many ways. The whole atmosphere turns into a cheerful and festive mood where northerners engage in the following: 

1. Beautification of Self

Starting from a week to Eid Kabir, the complete and thorough beautification of the body is common among northern Nigerian Muslims.

As observed, practices among women include grooming of toes and fingernails, styling and braiding of hair, and “Lalle”. Boys/men similarly engage in grooming of nails and barbing of hair.

Both parties busy themselves purchasing fabrics and handing them to tailors to make beautiful outfits for them to wear throughout the festive period.

Markets become full while orders are made online, and everyone is in feverish excitement to buy clothes and accessories to adorn himself/herself with in order to look their best on the occasion. 

2. Purchasing of Sacrificial Rams/Animals

As earlier said, Eid Kabir is a time when Muslims everywhere are striving to purchase rams or other animals which they are to use for sacrifice, starting mostly from a fortnight to it. Although the sacrifice itself is not made until the marked day, this purchasing; mandated for those who can afford it, is mostly done beforehand as rams then are generally cheaper.

This means that the earlier you buy them, the cheaper they will be. Men can be seen everywhere buying and transporting rams in preparation for the big day. 

3. Attending Communal Prayer (Eid Prayer)

Young and old, male and female, are seen on the morning of Eid Kabir in large and countless congregations making their journey noisily and vibrantly in new attires to attend communal prayer/Eid prayer nearest to them.

This Eid prayer, also known as ‘Salat al-Eid’, is a special morning prayer after sunrise, offered to commemorate two Islamic festivals. The first is offered on Eid Fitr while the second is offered on Eid Kabir. Although this prayer is not exactly mandatory, it is highly recommended for Muslims considering the huge reward associated with it.  

Traditionally, Eid prayers are offered in large congregations in open fields separating the women from the men. Two ‘Raka’ats’ are prayed. Eid Kabir prayer unlike Eid Fitr is offered in an earlier and more hastened manner as the slaughtering of rams at home comes immediately after the prayers.

Common religious practices of Muslims on Eid day in relation to this prayer include:

  • Taking of ritual bath before going to the mosque.
  • Wearing one’s new or best outfit.
  • Going on foot to the prayer ground using different routes for the journey to and fro.
  • Eating only upon returning from Eid prayers.

4. Slaughtering of Rams and Sharing of Meat (Layyah)

Eid Kabir is all about sacrificing an outlined animal and giving out parts of it for charity. Without this, the festival is meaningless. As such, the most important moment everyone is waiting for comes right after the offering of Eid prayers on the first day of Eid Kabir; which is why in Egypt, they refer to it as the ‘Meat Festival’.  

After the sacrificial animal is slaughtered, men can be seen engaging themselves in butchering the animal. Right after, women in the households take over, preparing the meat in various ways through frying and making of ‘Dambu’ and other recipes for eid.

Families will normally engage the services of ‘Mahauta’ to butcher the animal. But before that, the person to offer the sacrifice; who is financially able, sound man, and reached the age of puberty, will slit the animal’s throat after offering some words of prayers.

The skin of the slaughtered animal is then given in charity to mosques. Whereas the meat of the animal is divided into three parts and shared in charity among the needy, neighbors, and the owner’s immediate family.

5. Cooking and Sharing Food and Snacks in Large Quantities

Of course, no festival is complete without the attestation of the stomach. A wedding or naming ceremony, it is grand. But for Eid Kabir, it is even grander.

Northern women are marvelous when it comes to preparing food. During the first and second day of Eid, they can be seen setting up firewood or otherwise under the wide-open sky; where they chat, joke, and laugh while preparing  Rice, ‘Tuwo’, ‘Waina’, ‘Sinasir’, or any other food or snack of their choice.

Food and drinks prepared are served to anyone visiting on the Eid period or sent to family and friends elsewhere. Also, this food is distributed to neighbors, typically by children of the house, who are more than happy to attend this errand in order to receive the customary ‘Goron Sallah’, one of the biggest highlights of Eid for them. 

6. Visiting Family and Friends (Yawon Sallah)

Festivals are happy places and you don’t really want to enjoy them on your own.

If you are not visiting anyone on the day of Eid, be sure to expect visitors streaming in casually at all times. Why? Because Eid is a period where neighbor’s relatives, friends, and colleagues casually drop in to check on one another and share in the celebration and also give or receive “Goron Sallah”.

In northern Nigeria, celebrating Eid Kabir alone is unheard of. These visits happen mostly in the next three days after Eid and can continue up to a week. 

7. Attending Cultural Parade (Hawan Bariki and Hawan Daushe) 

The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals

Siddarth Katradagga

Among the Hausa people, ‘Hawa’ meaning ‘Mounting’, is what makes Eid special in Northern Nigeria. It also distinguishes it from other Eid celebrations across the country and world. This is a cultural event where colorfully dressed horsemen mounted on colorfully decorated horses, match across streets while being cheered on by a large crowd of Muslims dressed in beautiful attire.

Hawan Bariki and Hawan Daushe are examples of this parade observed on the second and third days of Eid Kabir respectively, each one having its cultural importance. These two types of Hawan Sallah are popular in northern Nigerian states including Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina.

They have been passed on from generation to generation and are held in very high esteem by the northerners that even members of the royal households including the king partake in this parade. The king waves and smiles at the people as he progresses slowly on his richly dressed horse and is escorted by palace members.

This rich tradition has made it annually possible for people to be linked up or reunited on the streets as they witness this parade, Also, it is a chance for the king to have close contact with his residing subjects and share in their celebration. In addition to that, every year, it keeps the tradition of the Hausa people alive. 

8. Going on Family Outings or Organized Events

If you are a restaurant, bakery, ice cream, or any food/confectionary or event center owner, then it is the time of year for you to smile. Be sure to step up your game because family/friends’ outings, funfairs, school reunions, and other social events are all there to patronize you during Eid celebrations.

Here in northern Nigeria, families can be seen swarming in eateries to have good quality time. Because Eid Kabir is a public holiday period, social events such as kid funfairs and adult school reunions among others are a part of activities planned beforehand and enjoyed during Eid.

9. Watching Religious Shows/ Pilgrims’ Activities

Apart from sermons, T.V shows, “The Message” which is displayed annually during Eid Kabir is popular among Muslims in northern Nigeria, it is an epic historical drama chronicling the life and times of the Messenger of God. This is shown every year to serve as a lesson to all and a reminder to those already familiar with it.

In addition, since Eid Kabir also marks the end of the Muslim annual pilgrimage in Makkah, their activities are displayed also on T.V. It has become part of Eid celebrations for Muslims in northern Nigeria to sit down and watch these shows.

10. Taking of Pictures/Internet Saga

Click! Smartphone cameras have replaced the traditional way of visiting photo studios to take photos during Eid. Although some people still maintain this tradition, most people prefer to conveniently take pictures with their phones at every step of their Eid celebration. This they keep for memories or to share with their family and friends.

In this 21st century, the internet, especially social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter Instagram, and Snapchat, has become very busy with people uploading and sharing experiences of themselves and others. Women especially busy themselves with sharing photos of their hennas. All in a jolly mood to keep the spirit of Eid alive days on after the celebration has ended.

This internet saga enables people separated by a large distance and unable to visit one another to continually share in each other’s celebrations.

Conclusion

Looking back at these activities carried out by Muslims in northern Nigeria to celebrate Eid Kabir, one automatically feels like dropping by to personally share in the joyous mood and experiences of this period; which is a time of sharing and caring.

Visit Northern Nigeria, share in the hospitality of the Eid period, and tell us your own experiences of celebrating Eid Kabir in northern Nigeria.

10 Natural Aphrodisiac Foods That Are Good for You

10 Natural Aphrodisiac Foods That Are Good for You

Sex is a vital component of every marriage. However, it is considered more of a chore for some couples. The frequency of intimacy is less and the reasons are not farfetched, ranging from the daily hustles to make ends meet, stress at the end of the day, psychological problems, etc. This negatively affects sexual intimacy. As such, looking to Nigerian aphrodisiac recipes for a solution is a good one.

Your libido is affected by several factors, like social factors and biological factors like sex hormones, nutrition, etc. There are some foods that, if consumed, would improve your mood and sexual drive. Hence, taking care of what you consume would, in turn, help improve this important area of your marriage.

Therefore, natural aphrodisiacs are your go-to sex drive enhancer. This is because we consume them normally for a healthy lifestyle. It becomes a win-win as it improves your sexual life in addition. Amazing, right?

Below is a list of 12 natural Nigerian aphrodisiac recipes you should try

10 Aphrodisiac Foods and Drinks You Should Try

1. Watermelon

Who doesn’t like this fleshy food? Watermelon is a popular fruit consumed by many. It is appreciated for its significant hydrating properties. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as water constitutes over 90% of its total composition.

In addition, research has shown that it is a very important aphrodisiac. It contains important components like citrulline, lycopene, potassium, etc.

More so, citrulline amino acid is present in a substantial amount of watermelon. This citrulline elevates nitric oxide levels in the body. This nitric oxide helps to relax the blood vessels, thereby aiding blood circulation. This blood flow to the male sex organ is important for erection.

Watermelon is now known as nature’s Viagra as it treats erectile dysfunction.

Watermelon can be eaten normally and can be made into juice.

Watermelon

2. Tiger Nuts

Tiger nuts, known as Aya in the Hausa language, have been one of the most recognized aphrodisiac recipes in Nigeria. This is because it contains numerous nutritious components. These include vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, etc.

One of these significant nutrients is vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to be an important vitamin for fertility in both men and women. This vitamin improves sperm motility, increases sperm count, and boosts sex drive. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin E increases the level of testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is a factor in sex drive. So tiger nuts are really helpful.

Tiger nuts can be eaten in raw, dry, or roasted forms or made into a drink.

Tiger Nuts

3. Tiger Nuts Drink

Not everyone loves to eat a raw or dried form of tiger nuts. A better alternative is turning these nuts into a milky drink. It is highly nutritious and has the same effect as the tiger nuts mentioned above.

Also, to make it more nutritious, you can add other ingredients like ginger, coconut, dates, etc.

Tiger nut drink is super tasty.

How to Make Your Sweet Home Made Kunun Aya

4. Dark Chocolates

Note the dark chocolates. Dark chocolates with a high concentration of cacao are an important Nigerian aphrodisiac recipe.

Dark chocolate also aids blood flow, which is necessary for erection because it serves as an antioxidant. It also contains other constituents like phenethylamine, endorphin, and serotonin, which put you in the right mood.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato is one of the Nigerian aphrodisiac recipes you should try. They are known to have a robust concentration of potassium. Potassium is a macroelement that helps keep high blood pressure in check. This function, in turn, lowers the risk of erectile dysfunction.

It is also rich in vitamin A, which is important for fertility by enabling better cervical fluid.

You can make your sweet potato into porridge, fry it, etc.

sweet potato porridge recipe

6. Avocados

Avocado is a popular aphrodisiac food. It contains numerous nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc. All these constituents work together to improve the duration of sex. It also prevents premature ejaculation.

Omega 3 and 6 are vital components of avocados. Women with low levels of omega 3 and 6 lose interest in sex. Consumption of avocados helps improve this deficiency.

Avocados are beneficial to the brain because it contains monounsaturated fats

7. Almonds

Almonds are known to be very important for fertility due to their high concentration of Zinc. They’re also sources of essential fatty acids, which are important for healthy libido and fertility.

almonds

8. Ginger

Ginger is known to be a very important spice. It is used to cook food. It is also used to make drinks.

A good effect of taking ginger is that it aids detoxification and improves blood flow. As stated previously, this blood flow is important for the erection of the male sex organ. More, so, ginger is a good aphrodisiac food as it increases desire, libido, and sexual performance.

Hence, make ginger a part of your regular spices for your kitchen.

Ginger

9. Dates

Date fruits popularly known to be abundant in the desert are aphrodisiacs. It contains minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. It has a high level of amino acids which improve sexual stamina.

Date fruits also help to boost the quantity and quality of sperm.

10. Red Pepper (Chili)

Red pepper chili heats the body system thereby allowing increased blood flow. This in turn boosts erection. This is also a regular spice.

Conclusion

In a bid to improve sex drive and overall sexual performance, many have resorted to using various concoctions and drugs. If you ask me, I would tell you that those concoctions have negative side effects. To stay on the safer side, I would advise you to frequently consume the above Nigerian aphrodisiac recipes. They’re all-natural, available, and affordable. Consume them and notice amazing improvements.

Do you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

5 Delicious Smoothies That Will Leave You Asking for More

5 Delicious Smoothies That Will Leave You Asking for More

A smoothie is everything with fruits—from tasty to creamy to nutritious to healthy and delicious smoothie recipes. Making a smoothie at home is so simple as long as you have the right fruits and ingredients. Once you know how to, you’re stuck with it!

What Is A Smoothie?

A smoothie is a thick, smooth blend of fresh fruits with milk and/or yogurt. Smoothies are nutritious and fortified with fiber, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and flavor.

Now that you know what a smoothie is, let’s tell you how to make and blend up a smoothie.

How to Make Smoothies at Home

The basic ingredients for making smoothies are fruits, something creamy, and a liquid. Sometimes, vegetables are incorporated as extras, but they are always optional.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Smoothie

Fruits

Fruits could be bananas, mangoes, strawberries, or any of your choice, either fresh fruits or frozen fruits. Fresh fruits give a smooth smoothie, while frozen give it a bit rough appearance.

Cream

This involves adding yogurt to it to improve the texture of the smoothie. You could use plain yogurt or Greek yoghurt.

Liquid

This is the incorporation of either water or milk. Milk is my go-to as it has nutrients and richness for this healthy, delicious smoothie recipe.

This could be whole milk or coconut milk, as it gives vitamins, calcium, and protein. Milk also helps to thin out purée and makes it easier to blend to the right consistency.

I hope that with this, you’re beginning to have an idea of what constitutes healthy, delicious smoothie recipes. In making a smoothie, we start by layering our ingredients, from fruits to cream to liquid.

Vegetables

These are what make smoothies healthy, as the vegetables are extremely fortified with nutritional benefits. Vegetables are optional, though. The vegetables may be kale, spinach, cucumbers, ginger, or cinnamon.

Sometimes, seeds are also added to give it a nutty taste while also carrying nutritional value. Such seeds may include chia seeds and hemp seeds.

For extra sweetness, you can add honey or maple syrup. Now, I’ll be sharing with you different kinds of smoothie recipes.

Let’s get blending!

Equipment Needed

AvailJumiaAmazonVevor
BlenderYesGet ItGet ItGet It
KnifeYesGet ItGet It
BowlYesGet ItGet It

1. Cucumber Apple Mint Smoothie Recipe

Cucumber apple mint smoothie is one of the healthy delicious smoothie recipes you should know about

Ingredients for Cucumber Apple Mint Smoothie

Cucumber
Mint
Apples
Honey
Avocado

Procedures

STEP 1: Wash your fruits and vegetables properly in a bowl with running water.

STEP 2: Chop/dice your fruits.

STEP 3: Wash your blender before use.

STEP 4: In your blender, add diced cucumbers apples, and chopped mints.

STEP 5: For coldness, add ice or place it in the refrigerator after blending.

STEP 6: Add honey and avocado to the blender and give this a blend.

STEP 7: You’ll get a green-looking healthy purée.

Your healthy, delicious smoothie recipes of cucumber, apple, and mint are ready.

2. Chocolate Chip Mocha Breakfast Smoothie Recipe

Chocolate Chip Mocha Breakfast Smoothie  is an easy healthy delicious smoothie recipe to follow

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Mocha Breakfast Smoothie

Iced coffee
Milk
Chocolate chips
Coffee beans

Procedures

STEP 1: In a blender, add iced coffee cubes.

STEP 2: Add whole milk, chocolate chips, and coffee beans.

STEP 3: Give this a blend.

STEP 4: Serve this in a glass and top this with whipped cream.

Your chocolate smoothie is ready.

3. Strawberry Banana Yoghurt Smoothie Recipe

This 3. Strawberry Banana Yoghurt Smoothie Recipe is one of the healthy delicious smoothie recipes to know

Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Yoghurt Smoothie

Milk
Yoghurt
Strawberries
Banana

Procedures

STEP 1: Wash your fruits properly in running water.

STEP 3: In the blender, add the fruits and sliced/diced banana.

STEP 4: Pour in the milk.

STEP 5: Pour in plain or Greek yoghurt.

STEP 6: Give this a blend.

Your healthy delicious smoothie recipes are ready.

4. Orange Mango Carrot Smoothie Recipe

Orange mango carrots is a tasty delicious smoothie to prepare

Ingredients for Orange Mango Carrot Smoothie Recipe

Oranges
Mangoes
Carrots
Milk

Procedures

STEP 1: Wash all your fruits and dice them.

STEP 2: Add the oranges, mangoes, and carrots to the blender.

STEP 3: Pour in milk and give this a blend.

Your orange carrots smoothie is ready!

5. Strawberry Blackberry Raspberry Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry Blackberry Raspberry Smoothie is one of the healthy delicious smoothie recipes

Ingredients for Strawberry Blackberry Raspberry Smoothie Recipe

Strawberries
Blackberry
Raspberry
Broccoli
Milk

Procedures

STEP 1: Wash all the berries properly.

STEP 2: In the blender, add in fruits and broccoli.

STEP 3: Pour in milk and give this a blend.

Your berries and broccoli smoothie are ready to be enjoyed.

Are Smoothies Healthy?

Smoothies are healthy as they are extremely fortified with vitamins and minerals. Simply blending pineapple, bananas, watermelon, and yoghurt is promised to enrich you with there are nutrients such as calcium, proteins, etc.

How to Store Smoothies

Simply store and preserve the blended smoothies in the refrigerator as this is guaranteed to still be of quality for 2-3 days. Store in a container with airtight covers.

Conclusion

Ta-da! I hope you had fun blending up these healthy delicious smoothie recipes just as much as I did writing them. I’m not a fan of vegetables in my smoothie, I like something and anything sweet so I mostly go for fruits, yoghurt, and milk. It still gives the same nutrients but not as much as vegetables do.

Comment below if you tried any of the recipes or if you think I missed any. If you enjoyed this, check out three other different ways of making lemonade I bet you didn’t know about.

How to Make Sweet Home Made Kunun Aya

How to Make Sweet Home Made Kunun Aya

Hello! Our recipe for today is “Kunun Aya Drink,” also known as Tiger Nut Drink. This drink is derived from tiger nuts, hence the name. The tiger nut comes in two forms: dry and fresh nuts. Both forms are sweet on their own, and both can be used in making this drink, but the dry form has to be washed to discard any trace of dirt or stones and pre-soaked overnight to regain its moisture content.

This drink is not only delicious but creamy as well. In addition, it requires fewer ingredients and yet is quite addicting as it is filled with nutritious ingredients—trust me. There are different Northern drinks like Zobo and ginger drink, but Kunun Aya tops the chart. This is definitely worth trying!

Equipment for Making Kunun Aya

AvailJumiaAmazonVevor
BlenderYesGet ItGet ItGet It
GraterYesGet ItGet It
BowlYesGet ItGet It
Sieving clothYesGet It

Ingredients

Tiger nuts
Coconut
Dates
Ginger
Warm water

Procedures on How to Make Kunun Aya Drink

STEP 1: Wash the tiger nuts thoroughly.

STEP 2: In a blender, pour in washed tiger nuts. Use a very functional blender, as nuts will be crushed.

STEP 3: Wash and cut the coconut into pieces.

STEP 4: Wash the dates and take out the seeds. If you like, you can soak the dates for at least 30–45 minutes. This also adds extra sweetness to the drink.

STEP 5: Wash and mince or grate ginger.

STEP 6: Add in coconuts, dates, and ginger. Ginger gives it a chilly taste.

STEP 7: Add warm water, depending on the quantity of the nuts.

STEP 8: Blend the mixture till smooth, thick, and creamy.

STEP 9: Get a straining cloth. In this cloth, pour in the mixture to strain out the shafts from the nuts and coconuts.

STEP 10: Squeeze and wring the cloth with your hands to extract every drop of liquid from the mixture. Repeat this procedure twice.

Your drink is ready. Chill, drink, and serve when cold.

How to Store Kunun Aya

Simply preserve this in a glass or a container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When it exceeds these days, it starts to spoil and sour. Therefore, discard it when it exceeds 3 days.

If you don’t have a blender, you could take this to a grinding machine. It’s even easier if you ask me. I hope you try this nutritious drink; you’ll be glad you did!

Ways to Serve

Kunun Aya should be served cold, as it is most enjoyable. It gives the brain a freeze and also relaxes the mind due to the cool effect.

Occasions to Serve Best

This creamy drink can be served on occasions like Eid celebrations. It can also be enjoyed among friends and family after lunch and dinner.

Health Benefits of Kunun Aya Drink

It is worthy of note that the tiger nuts weirdly belong to the “tuber” family, like yam and potatoes. Tiger nuts are fortified with:

  • Source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and E, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. These together help with overall body health and the immune system.
  • They are gluten-free.
  • They are vegan too.
  • Also, they are whole foods and, as such, serve as a perfectly balanced diet.
  • High fiber content.
  • You might want to opt for almond drinks, but these are richer in taste and benefits.
  • An aphrodisiac: It is believed that consumption of this drink arouses sexual desire and also increases sexual performance.

Now, that’s a very nutritious drink you should try—believe me! Let’s get to how this delicious and creamy drink is made.

Conclusion

Kunun Aya drink is for everyone and every age as it is fortified with vitamins, which are essential in our everyday lives. Try it at home or even anywhere else. It’s always a nice treat!

Have you tried making Kunun Aya before? Tell us how you did it or what it tastes like.