HUNDREDS of people from all walks of life on Monday night defied the Northern Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) ban on the celebration of the fire festival (Bugum) in Dagbon and poured into the principal streets of Tamale to celebrate the event.
However, contrary to fears that the celebration of the festival in the Dagbon area, particularly the Tamale metropolis, might disturb the fragile peace in the region, it was very peaceful.
The celebration started after 8 pm, which lasted well over five hours, ended at about 2 am.
It was started by some young men in Tamale Central, but was hijacked by enthusiastic old men and women after about 35 minutes when it was observed that they were not stopped by security personnel.
The jubilant crowd after throwing the fire at the outskirts, drummed and danced through the principal streets throughout the period.
The fire festival is an annual event celebrated in Dagbon 'to drive away evil forces from the community.'
On the first day of the celebration, citizens gather in the palaces of community chiefs, set fires and carry them to the outskirts of the town after which they return to the towns to jubilate, having successfully 'driven out the evil forces.'
On the second day, the people gather to listen to their Chief Imams in a ceremony known as 'Sabli Ralegibu' during which the imams predict future occurrences.
It is during this celebration that some of the traditional priests and imams, in their bid to display their magical powers sometimes spark off conflicts.
Some visitors in the metropolis who have never witnessed the celebration also got out of their homes to watch the festival.
Some of the celebrants the Times spoke to expressed joy about the celebration which they said they had not observed for a long time now.
Another person commended the security personnel for not confronting the people in the street.
There were also reports of celebration of the festival by the people of Zabzugu/Tatale in spite of the ban.
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