CHIEF SOMO DAMBA FESTIVAL SET FOR THURSDAY (4TH SEPTEMBER 2025).
The Somo Damba Festival returns this Thursday, marking one of the most cherished cultural and spiritual celebrations in the Dagbon Kingdom.
This grand occasion is rooted in the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It begins with the sighting of the new moon in the third month of the Islamic calendar. Once the moon is seen, the air comes alive with drumming, dancing, and joyful chants as communities usher in the festival spirit.
The following morning, tradition unfolds as the chiefs of each locality present bowls of rice to their people. The rice is poured onto a large mat, and together, the community carefully separates the good grains from the bad an act rich with symbolism while women sing songs of praise and children clap in rhythm.
Throughout the festival, evenings are devoted to prayers, Qur’anic recitations, and spiritual gatherings. Women and children fill the nights with melodic singing and graceful dances, weaving a beautiful balance of faith and festivity.
Remarkably, the festival coincides with the month and date of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth, making it both a religious commemoration and a cultural heritage event for the Dagombas.
The celebration will be crowned by the presence of Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, Overlord of Dagbon, along with chiefs from across the kingdom. Thousands of people, including visitors from around the world, are expected to converge on the ancient seat of the kingdom "Gbewaa Zuliya" to witness and join in the spectacular Damba Festival.
