LHMP ZA'AR FESTIVAL: A BEAUTY TO BEHOLD.

By: Markus Micah Marti.

The Sayawa cultural festival known as Lhmp Za'ar is celebrated on the first week of the month of November every year. It is the most famous occasion that brings most of the Za'ar sons and daughters home. It is observed to bring to mind the Za'ar cultural activities and way of life before the arrival of the colonial masters. 

Some of the activities that usually feature for pleasure of spectators during the event are masquerade, traditional and cultural dances as well as exhibition of ancient artifacts and materials amongst which are clay pots that were used for various purposes, implements of diverse uses and cowries which served as money in the ancient days. The dances, the sound of the native musical instruments, the masquerades appearance, exhibitions, sense of history, the thrills and frills of the glamorous Lhmp Za'ar cultural festival always gladden the heart of attendees and leave them looking forward to another. 

One feature that add another dimension of glamour and beauty to the festival is the cultural beauty pageants of the Miss Za'ar; her outfits, speech and confidence she exudes to the administration of all bring with it a special delight. The attendance of the political leaders such as the governor of Bauchi State, Federal and state house of Assembly members, Local Government Chairmen and other dignitaries inspire hope in the Youths and children of the land that one day, they could rise to occupy any of the positions. 

Despite beauty of the events and the ambiance it creates, some people, especially of religious leaders still harbor some reservations towards the Lhmp Za'ar cultural festival. They are opposed to some of the activities like the masquerades displays and the demonstration of the power by the native doctors and idol worshipers. Their reasons are that are ungodly and are capable of leading children astray and into deviating from the God to idol worshiping. The Christian religious leaders buttress their points with the Book of Exodus 20:3-5, which says, "thou shall not worship any other God but me for I am the Lord your God....." 

Culture is the backbone of ethnic group and beauty is the physical attractiveness. Culture without beauty is like a nation without people, as patriotic members of a community we should always strive to maintain and preserve its culture for the generation unborn.

GOD BLESS ZA'AR SAYAWA CULTURE
GOD BLESS ZA'AR NATION
HAPPY LHMB ZAAR IN ADVANCE