Draft:Gaani Festival (Gaari)

The Gaani Festival is an annual festival held in every part of the Greater Borgu which includes those in Benin Republic and Borgu Areas of Nigeria. This festival is as old as the Borgu Empire itself.

The date of the festival is based on the lunar cycle of the Islamic calendar. It typically falls on 12th of Rabiu Awwal.

Exhibition of horse riding is prominent in all Gaani Festival as this is relatable to the ancient horse riding of the intercine period in the West African Subregion. The celebration varies from one community to another community of Borgu. Even though each community has its own way of celebration, there are four major events that are common in all these communities. These include: Borgu identity, horse and horsemanship, initiation of princes and princesses into the royal class, new initiation names.

Etymology
The word "Gaani" is a mispronunciation of the word Gaari. "Gaari" translates to Saddle in all the major languages of Borgu: the languages which are Bokobaru, Bissa, Tchenga, Boo. As this festival is attributed to horsemanship, the correct pronunciation is Gaari Festival .

History
Gaani Festival takes place on the 12th of Rabiu Awwal

2023
The Gaani festival took place at the Emir's palace in Kaiama with lots of activities.