Abstract
This study explores the Anjida Day Festival’s role in promoting social and cultural change in the Mada community. The festival’s cultural significance, impact, and contributions to community development are examined, highlighting its potential as a tool for unity, cultural preservation, and community growth. Employing a mixed-method research design. The study surveyed 221 randomly selected community members and conducted in-depth interviews with six community members out of the total population of 2059 inhabitants in Anjida, Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis involved using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data, which was presented in percentages, frequencies, and tables, and applying a descriptive thematic method to transcribe and analyze qualitative data. The findings reveal the festival’s positive impact on social and cultural change, and its importance in preserving traditional practices and fostering community development. The study recommended the following: The Anjida Day Festival should be continued and promoted as a very important part of the community’s cultural heritage. Community members, especially youth and women, should be empowered through active involvement and participation in festival planning and implementation. Traditional practices, traditions, and cultural expressions should be preserved and showcased through the celebration. The festival should be leveraged to promote unity, understanding, and communal progress among community members. The festival’s successes and challenges should be documented, and best practices should be shared with other communities to promote cultural exchange and improvement.
Keywords: Festival, Cultural Change, Social Change, Tradition and Heritage
Introduction
The Anjida Day Festival is a significant cultural event in Nigeria, showcasing the rich heritage of the Mada people. This article explores the festival’s potential as a tool for social and cultural change, highlighting its role in promoting unity, preserving customary practices, and foster community’s progress. Festivals are important events in communities internationally. In several societies, the frequency of festivals is increasingly rising as individuals pursue opportunities to enjoy, connect, and revel. This emerging approach embodies a common African sentiment often articulated as a cliché that the existence of an African is characterized by constant joy. This phrase, albeit flowery, encapsulates the spirit of communal life on the continent: dynamic, expressive, and profoundly anchored in culture. Festivals encompass exhibitions of polished culture, extensive musical spectacles, religious observances, and public gatherings. They may manifest in various ways, including cultural and multicultural festivities, seasonal events, historical commemorations, religious ceremonies, or entertainment-oriented gatherings. These may encompass carnivals, concerts, theatrical performances, sporting events, arts and crafts exhibitions, and traditional dance shows. Festivals, whether organized by individuals, organizations, associations, or governments, are essential manifestations of identity, belonging, and collective experience. They unite individuals across divisions tribal, linguistic, religious, or generational under a shared banner of celebration/commemoration.
Hunyadi, Zsuzsa, Péter, and János (2006) state that “cultural events concentrated in a few days (or weeks) have been known throughout the entire history of humankind.” Although they recognize the absence of a definitive definition for a festival, they contend that these events are historically grounded and frequently aim to draw casual visitors, travelers, and tourists. Festivals not only save a culture but also serve as instruments of cultural diplomacy and socio-economic mobilization.
In Nigeria, notably among the Mada people of Nasarawa State, the Anjida Day Festival is a significant cultural event. It transcends mere performance and celebration; it is a period of introspection, reunification, retrospective discourse, and future preparation. This is a period when the offspring of Anjida, both domestically and abroad, return to their birthplace to reconnect with their heritage, celebrate their identity, and promote collective advancement.
Festivals significantly contribute to the preservation of cultural activities and customs. In a swiftly globalizing world where modernism frequently jeopardizes traditional lifestyles, festivals function as dynamic repositories of culture. Traditions are preserved and re-enacted through dance, attire, music, rituals, and narrative. This renders them accessible to younger generations who might otherwise be estranged from their ancestral heritage.
In Anjida, the traditional dances executed during the festival serve not just as entertainment but also as cultural narratives. They represent the ideals, history, and challenges of the Mada people. Elderly women engaging in community-specific dances act as educators for younger women and girls. These performances are accompanied by culturally relevant props, including calabashes, axes, and traditional embellishments such as sesame seed paste applied to the skin. Every utilized thing possesses symbolic significance and cultural importance, connecting the present to the past.
The preservation of culture, however, necessitates the active participation of the youth. They are the essential foundation of every civilization, destined to inherit its traditions, values, and challenges. Engaging youth in festivals particularly in the planning and leadership roles ensures sustainability and fosters a sense of ownership over their cultural heritage.
In Anjida, there is an imperative necessity to establish avenues for the youth to engage substantively in decision-making processes. Moreover, empowering the youths via event opens an avenue for creativity. They introduce innovative concepts, technologies, and communication methods that might facilitate the rebranding of cultural events for broader audiences, encompassing both national and worldwide platforms. The incorporation of women in cultural leadership is of equal significance. Women have historically been marginalized in decision-making processes, despite their role as guardians of numerous cultural practices. Their views, ideas, and contributions are indispensable not only in performance but also in planning, policy, and leadership positions. Their involvement would guarantee a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to development. When women are involved, they gain insight into community initiatives and obstacles, contributing distinctive solutions. Their leadership in orchestrating and maintaining cultural activities, especially in traditional dance and culinary arts, is vital for preserving the community’s identity.
One of the most significant roles of festivals is their capacity to promote unity. The atmosphere during the Anjida Day Festival is exhilarating. Individuals are engaging in laughter, play, song, and dance collectively. These instances obliterate social divisions among classes, generations, and families and substitute them with joy, unity, and reciprocal respect. Upon close examination, it is evident that the festival serves not merely as a celebration, but as an instrument for healing, reconciliation, and peace-building. In a culture characterized by political, economic, and religious pressures that occasionally fragment communities, festivals provide infrequent opportunities for collective unity.
Notwithstanding its significance, the Anjida Day Festival encounters numerous obstacles, the most urgent of which is financial support. As the adage states, “Development is unattainable without financial resources.” Financial resources are crucial for planning, promotion, logistics, security, hospitality, and performances. Inadequate funding prevents the festival from achieving its maximum potential.
The absence of sustainable financing restricts the quality of the event and diminishes its capacity to attract tourists, governmental interest, and development partners. Should this hurdle be surmounted, the Anjida Day Festival has the potential to transform into a significant cultural event that fosters local growth, entrepreneurship, and investment. A significant difficulty is the lack of cohesiveness within the community. Progress is unattainable without a collective vision. Regrettably, internal discord has impeded advancement in Anjida. This competitive pride undermines collaborative decision-making. In the absence of unity, endeavors to engage government officials, NGOs, or private investors are chaotic and ineffectual. Unity transcends mere harmony; it constitutes a strategic approach to progress. A united community may establish delegates, formulate ideas, and provide a compelling case for governmental support. Disunity, conversely, renders the community stagnant, incapable of harnessing its assets or capitalizing on opportunities.
This article aims to emphasize the significant cultural importance of the Anjida Day Festival and to tackle the pressing necessity for strategic community development. It encapsulates the perspectives of elders, youth, women, and cultural leaders in a unified contemplation of Anjida’s past, present, and future. It analyses the festival not merely as a cultural event but as a driver for cohesion, identity preservation, youth involvement, and economic development.
This work aims to function as both a record and a blueprint documenting Anjida’s accomplishments through its festival and outlining potential future achievements contingent upon appropriate actions.
The Anjida Day Festival transcends being a mere event. It represents the identity of the Mada people, their origins, and their potential future if they embrace unity, inclusivity, and a collective objective. Their preservation and promotion are not merely cultural responsibilities; they constitute acts of development and legacy creation.
As we progress through the ensuing parts of this book, we encourage the reader to contemplate, engage, and partake in the collective endeavor to elevate Anjida and its populace to their appropriate position in history and the future.
Importance of Anjida Festival
Festivals celebrate and propagate the cultural heritage of a community and a nation. The Anjida festival aim to celebrate and propagate the cultural heritage of the Anjida community and its importance cannot be over emphasized. Festivals highlight various aspects of society, educating people about their cultural heritage. The Anjida festival highlights the social aspects and educates its people about their cultural heritage. It promotes solidarity and patriotism at the national level. At the community level, they strengthen communal spirit and consciousness. The Anjida day festival serves to strengthen the communal spirit and consciousness among its people.
Festivals play a vital role in promoting unity and understanding among people from different backgrounds. One of the significant benefits of religious festivals is that they bring people together, fostering convergence and acceptance of diverse faiths across the globe. By embracing and celebrating different religious festivals, we can promote tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
International festivals also have a profound impact on promoting brotherhood and eradicating ethnic racism. When people from different cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate festivals, they develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of each other’s traditions and customs. This helps break down barriers and promotes unity among people from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, celebrating various festivals can significantly enhance a nation’s image and reputation. By showcasing its cultural diversity, a country can demonstrate its acceptance and appreciation of different cultures, ultimately improving its reputation globally. This is particularly important in today’s interconnected world, where cultural exchange and understanding are essential for building strong relationships between nations.
For the Mada nation, celebrating festivals have a similar impact. Embracing and showcasing its rich cultural diversity, the Mada nation enhances its image and reputation, both domestically and internationally. Festival celebrations also provide a platform for cultural exchange, education, and entertainment, ultimately contributing to the nation’s social and economic development. Festivals are an essential part of our cultural heritage, promoting unity, understanding, and acceptance among people from diverse backgrounds. By celebrating various festivals, nations can enhance their image, promote cultural diversity, and foster brotherhood and understanding among people. As such, festivals should be encouraged and celebrated, both locally and internationally, to promote a more harmonious and inclusive world.
Historical Significance of Anjida Day Festival in Social and Cultural Change
Cultural festivals like Anjida Day play an essential role in promoting social and cultural change. They provide a platform for community members to come together, share their experiences, and strengthen social ties. Anjida Day Festival also offers opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and entertainment, contributing to community development and social solidity.
The Anjida Day Festival is an occasion which has helped in bringing together the people of Anjida communities, uniting them in a festivity of their shared tradition. This annual festival has a rich history, dating back to the formation of the Palace Meeting association or Elders’ Forum in 1958.In an interview with Jonathan Galadima, he informed the author that:
Anjida Day Festival originated from what was customarily called the Palace Meeting (miti re takpa), which dates back to 1958. At that time, only elders or household heads were eligible to participate. These meetings were held at the Chief’s palace (takpa chon), where members discussed community matters, made financial contributions, and shared funds among themselves as loans to be repaid during the following year’s gathering.In 1985, the name was changed to the Anjida Progressive and Cultural Association (APCA) to meet the requirements for opening a bank account. During the annual meetings, members also performed cultural dances and other traditional activities.Later, in 1987, the name was changed again to Mada Development Association (MDA), Anjida Branch following a directive from the parent body that all local associations adopt the unified name Mada Development Association. This is why the association in Anjida is now known as MDA Anjida Branch .Since then, a series of meetings have been held, often accompanied by music, dance, and well-organized cultural displays, making the Anjida Day Festival a vibrant and significant event in the community.
The Palace Meeting or Elders’ Forum was an innovative initiative that brought together the elders of the land to discuss matters of unity and development. As a collective, they sought to foster a sense of community and collaboration, laying the foundation for the vibrant festival that exists today. The association’s annual meetings served as a platform for members to share ideas, address challenges, and work towards the betterment of Anjida community.
One of the most characteristic aspects of the Palace Meeting (Miti re Takpa) was its innovative financial system. Members contributed funds into a collective pool, which was then distributed as interest-bearing loans to individuals within the community. This practice created access to capital for many, encouraging economic growth and self-reliance. Loans were repaid with interest at the next yearly meeting, and the cycle sustained year after year. Through this system, the community was able to sustain financial support among its members while strengthening unity and development.
According to Bubo (2013), the cultural association in Anjida was initiated by Very Reverend Narchu T. Gyoja, who sold the idea to the elders of the land on the need to introduce or establish a formal group that would help drive development of the community. The elders welcomed the idea and the association was formed and named Miti re Takpa which means Palace Meeting.
Over time, the Palace Meeting evolved into what is now known and celebrated as Anjida Day Festival, a vibrant expression of community spirit, unity, and cultural heritage. What began as a calculated gathering for communal progress has grown into an annual celebration that showcases the resilience and continuing commitment of the Anjida people to shared values and progress.
The Anjida Day Festival is more than just a festive occasion; it is a sign of the community’s might and solidarity. It reminds every Anjida son and daughter of the enduring weight of unity, cooperation, and collective progress. As the festival continues to flourish, it remains a foundation stone of the community’s identity, fostering a deep sense of belonging and shared purpose among its people.
One of the most distinctive features of the original Palace Meeting was its financial model. Members would contribute to a communal pool, which was then disbursed as interest-bearing loans to individuals across various settlements. This innovative system enabled access to capital, promoting grassroots economic development. The loans were repaid with interest at the next annual meeting, creating a sustainable cycle of financial support within the community.
Each annual gathering was marked by rich cultural performances, making it both a business and celebratory affair. Traditional dances such as Glo, Glo-ku, Vrengba, Bwan, Sengba, and others were showcased, highlighting the lively cultural heritage of Anjida. The festive ambiance was further enhanced with local cuisine and drinks, as community members came together to celebrate, reflect on their past, and look forward to a brighter future.
In a significant development in 1985, the Palace Meeting association took a major step forward by opening a bank account. As part of the bank’s requirements for account creation, the group was asked to adopt a formal name. After careful deliberation, the members agreed on the name Anjida Progressive and Cultural Association (APCA). This move not only enabled them to secure their finances but also marked the beginning of a more structured phase in the association’s operations, reinforcing financial cooperation and organizational identity.
It was during this period that cultural dance performances became a regular feature of their gatherings. Dances such as Glo, Glo-ku, Vrengba, Bwan, and Sengba were introduced, enriching the meetings with vibrant cultural expression. These performances added color and life to the events, gradually developing into what is now known as the Anjida Day Festival, a celebration of harmony, identity, and heritage.
On the other hand, in 1987, the Mada Development Association (MDA), the umbrella body for Mada nation, issued a directive that the entire cultural and community-based associations under its jurisdiction adopt a unified naming format. As a result, the Anjida Progressive and Cultural Association was renamed Mada Development Association, Anjida Branch (MDA Anjida Branch), aligning with the broader Mada identity and vision for communal development.
Originally, the association’s annual meeting was held during the fourth quarter of the year, but this was later shifted to March or April. The change allowed the celebrations to coincide with the Easter holiday, which not only boosted attendance but also enhanced the overall festive experience.
Nowadays, under the name Mada Development Association, Anjida Branch, the Anjida Day Festival continues to boom. It remains a vibrant platform for preserving cultural heritage, promoting community unity, and reflecting on the trip of the Anjida people from a humble palace meeting in 1958 to a structured association with deep cultural and developmental impact.
A significant milestone was reached in 1987 when the Mada Development Association, Anjida Branch, officially opened its arms to women and youth participation. This marked a new epoch of inclusivity, moving away from the earlier models of the Palace Meeting and the Anjida Progressive and Cultural Association, which was predominantly male-dominated.
With this new formation, the association changed into a unifying platform for all sons and daughters of Mada kingdom, both those residing in Anjida and in the Diaspora, to come together, contribute meaningfully, and engage in collective decision-making. This progressive shift towards broader participation has appreciably enhanced the association’s growth, diversity, and the overall progress of the Anjida community.
The Anjida Day Festival has a rich history, dating back to 1958. It originated from the Palace Meeting association or Elders’ Forum, which brought together community members to discuss matters of unity and development. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, featuring traditional dances, music, and cultural displays.
Thesis Statement
This article argues that the Anjida Day Festival has the potential to drive social and cultural change in Anjida and the Mada community. By exploring the festival’s cultural significance, impact, and challenges, this research aims to provide insights into its role in promoting unity and preserving traditional practices, and fostering community development.
Methodology
This study used a mixed-method approach to explore the Anjida Day Festival’s impact on social and cultural change in the Mada community especially in Anjida. A sample of 221 participants was selected from a population of 2059 community members. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 6 community members and questionnaires administered to 221 participants. Data analysis was done using SPSS for quantitative data and descriptive thematic analysis for qualitative data. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the festival’s significance and impact on the community.
CONTRIBUTION OF ANJIDA DAY FESTIVAL TO THE COMMUNITY’S HERITAGE
Festivals play a vital role in preserving and celebrating community heritage. One of the significant contributions of festivals is the preservation of traditional practices and customs. By keeping cultural traditions alive, festivals ensure that these customs are passed down to future generations, allowing them to learn from and appreciate their cultural roots. This preservation of cultural heritage helps to maintain a sense of identity and stability within the community. In an in-depth interview with Mr. Victor Peter, he emphasized this point, stating:
In order to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Anjida community, it is important that the youths are actively engaged in decision-making processes. This involvement allows them to learn directly from the elders of the land. If the youth who are the backbone of the community are not included, what will happen when the elders are no more? Their exclusion could result in disconnect from the past and the eventual loss of cultural values. Therefore, including young people is essential for the preservation of Anjida’s cultural identity. Moreover, to further safeguard our cultural heritage, elderly women should continue to perform specific traditional dances that are unique to the Mada people. These performances serve as a means for younger women and daughters of Anjida to observe, learn, and sustain these practices for future generations. As they perform, it is important they use the appropriate cultural make-up such as the pasting of sesame seed on their skin and incorporate traditional props like axes, calabashes, and other symbolic items. These elements not only preserve the authenticity of the dance but also strengthen the community’s connection to its roots.
From the above, it’s very lucid that inclusion is very important and essential for the sustainability of the cultural heritage for the generation to come, the inclusion cuts across women and youths who are at times neglected when it comes to issues of this nature in communities. Their inclusion will help durability and participation of all and sundry in the festival. In support of what Victor Peter said, Ali Kasimu noted that:
Women should be elected into leadership positions within the Mada Development Association, Anjida Branch. Once they are involved and actively engaged, they will gain insight into the community’s affairs and contribute their own quota toward the growth and development of Anjida. Furthermore, the Anjida Day Festival which we are referring to should be sustained as a continuous, yearly event that the people wholeheartedly embrace. It is through such consistent celebration that cultural identity is preserved. All the various traditional dance steps and cultural activities must be maintained, so that the younger generation can learn and master them. This way, our unique cultural expressions will not be forgotten but carried forward with pride and purpose.
It is crystal clear that no society can develop without a woman; therefore women’s inclusion is germane to nation’s building most especially in the sustainability of our culture.
In addition to preserving traditions, festivals also promote cultural exchange and understanding. By bringing people together from diverse backgrounds, festivals foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. This barter of ideas and experiences aids to break down cultural barriers, promoting acceptance and unity among community members. As people from different cultures come together to celebrate, they learn from each other and develop a deeper appreciation for the wealth of cultural diversity.
Festivals also provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, promoting cultural expression and creativity. Through music, dance, and art, festivals celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the host community. Local artists are given the opportunity to share their work, inspiring others and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the host community. The exhibition/demonstration of local talent does not only promote cultural expression but also helps to preserve traditional art forms and encourage innovation.
Furthermore, festivals offer a space for community members to share their stories, traditions, and experiences. By providing a platform for community members to come together and share their experiences, festivals strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of belonging. This sharing of experiences helps to build interaction and promote a sense of unity among community members, creating a stronger, more cohesive community. Festivals are an essential part of community heritage, celebrating cultural traditions, promoting cross-cultural understanding, showcasing local talent, and strengthening community bonds. By preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, festivals help to create a sense of identity and continuity within the community, while also promoting unity and cultural diversity
The contribution of the festival to the community’s heritage
| Items | Frequency | Percent | |
| By preserving traditional practices and customs | 57 | 47.1 | |
| By promoting cultural exchange and understanding | 24 | 19.8 | |
| By showcasing local arts, music and dance | 28 | 23.1 | |
| By providing a platform for community members to share their experiences | 12 | 9.9 | |
| Total | 121 | 100.0 |
Source: Author’s field work Anjida, 2025
The festival plays a significant role in preserving and enriching the community’s heritage. almost half of the respondents (47.1%) believe that the festival’s most vital contribution is its ability to preserve traditional practices and customs. This highlights the community’s strong value for cultural stability and the importance of passing down ancestral knowledge and rituals.
A further 23.1% of participants recognize the festival’s role in showcasing local arts, music, and dance, underlining its function as a vibrant display of the community’s creative expression. Additionally, 19.8% appreciate the festival for promoting cultural exchange and understanding, suggesting it serves as a link between diverse groups, fostering communal respect and learning.
Lastly, 9.9% of respondents view the festival as a platform where community members can share their personal experiences. This recognizes festival as not just a celebration, but also a space for storytelling, dialogue, and collective memory. This data reflects the many-sided ways in which the festival contributes to the community’s cultural identity and cohesion. In agreement with the above view, Mr. Jonathan Galadima posited that:
The festival fosters unity among the people, as it brings everyone together with a shared sense of belonging. During the celebration, you see people playing, singing, and dancing together, regardless of age or status. There is joy, laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness. When observed closely, it becomes clear that the festival truly strengthens the bond within the community and reinforces the idea that they are one people.
The festival helps people feel connected and united. Everyone comes together, enjoys the music and has a good time, which shows how powerful the festival is in bringing people together, to celebrate a common goal.
Cultural Practices or Traditions Showcased During the Festival
The festival is a vibrant celebration of the community’s cultural heritage, showcasing a diverse range of traditional practices and customs. One of the highlights of the festival is the traditional dances, which are vibrant and energetic performances that reflect the community’s rich cultural heritage. These dances are not only a form of entertainment but also a way to preserve and pass down cultural traditions to future generations. The festival also features traditional music and singing, which play a significant role in telling stories, conveying emotions, and celebrating cultural identity. The music and songs are often deeply rooted in the community’s history and mythology, and they serve as a powerful means of cultural expression and storytelling.
In addition to the performances, the festival showcases the community’s culinary heritage through local cuisine and food. Traditional dishes and delicacies are prepared and shared, offering a taste of the community’s rich gastronomic traditions. The food is not only delicious but also carries significant cultural meaning, often symbolizing hospitality, communality, and celebration.
The traditional attire or dress worn during the festival is also an important aspect of the festivity. Colorful and meaningful clothing reflects the community’s cultural identity and traditions, and it serves as a visual representation of our heritage. The attire is always intricately designed and carefully crafted, showcasing the community’s artisanal skills and attention to detail. The festival features cultural ceremonies and rituals that are sacred and symbolic acts that connect the community with their cultural heritage and spiritual practices. These ceremonies and rituals are often deeply meaningful and significant, serving as a way to honor ancestors, deities, or cultural icons. They provide a sense of continuity and connection to the community’s past, while also reinforcing their cultural identity and traditions. The festival is a celebration of the community’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional dances, music, food, attire, and ceremonies. These cultural practices and traditions come together to create a vibrant and immersive experience, highlighting the community’s unique cultural identity and celebrating their heritage.
Cultural practices or traditions showcased during the festival
| Items | Frequency | Percent | |
| Traditional dances | 54 | 44.6 | |
| music and singing | 41 | 33.9 | |
| local cuisine and food | 2 | 1.7 | |
| traditional attire dress | 8 | 6.6 | |
| cultural ceremonies and rituals | 16 | 13.2 | |
| Total | 121 | 100.0 | |
Source: Author’s field work Anjida, 2025
The data on cultural practices or traditions showcased during the Anjida Festival highlights the vibrant expressions that bring the event to life. These elements not only entertain but also serve as powerful vessels for preserving identity, passing on heritage, and strengthening community ties. At the heart of the festival is traditional dance, which stands out as the most prominent feature, accounting for 44.6% of responses. This reflects how deeply embedded dance is in the cultural fabric of the community. These performances are rich in symbolism, storytelling, and communal energy, a living archive of ancestral values, performed with pride and grace.
Closely following is music and singing (33.9%), another keystone of cultural expression. Through rhythm, melody, and voice, these performances stir emotion, ignite celebration, and connect generations. Whether through chants, drums, or folk songs, music at Anjida is more than entertainment it is cultural memory in motion.
Cultural ceremonies and rituals make up 13.2% of the showcased traditions. These may include rites of passage, spiritual observances, or symbolic re-enactments that affirm the community’s beliefs and values. Their presence at the festival shows its deeper meaning beyond festivity as a moment of reconnection with the sacred and the ancestral.
Traditional attire (6.6%) adds color and visual identity to the event. Clothing, often woven with significance, tells stories of lineage, status, and origin. Wearing such garments at the festival affirms pride in one’s roots and brings aesthetic beauty to the celebration.
Local cuisine and food, though the least mentioned at 1.7%, still holds cultural weight. Food is an intimate part of culture every dish carrying stories, techniques, and flavor is unique to the people. Its modest mention may suggest an underexplored opportunity to elevate culinary heritage within the festival experience.
The Anjida Festival is a living gallery of tradition where dance, music, ritual, attire, and taste converge to celebrate identity and unity of people. The prominence of dance and music reflects a dynamic, expressive culture, while the inclusion of rituals and traditional wear speaks to a reverence for heritage. Even with local food playing a smaller role, the potential is clear. The festival is not just a celebration it is a cultural heartbeat. And with thoughtful expansion, it can continue to evolve as a space where the past and present dance together in harmony.
Findings
The findings of this study highlight the cultural significance of the Anjida Day Festival. The festival is a celebration of cultural heritage, featuring traditional dances, music, and cultural displays. It also provides a platform for community members to come together, share their experiences, and strengthen social ties.
The study reveals that the Anjida Day Festival has a positive impact on social and cultural change. It promotes unity, preserves traditional practices, and fosters community development. However, the festival also faces challenges related to funding, management, and unity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Anjida Day Festival has the potential to drive social and cultural change in the Mada community. The festival’s cultural significance and impact highlight its importance as a tool for promoting unity, preserving traditional practices, and fostering community development.
Recommendations
The Anjida Day Festival should be continued and promoted as a very important part of the community’s cultural heritage.
Community members, especially youth and women, should be empowered through active involvement and participation in festival planning and implementation.
Traditional practices, traditions, and cultural expressions should be preserved and showcased through the celebration.
The festival should be leveraged to promote unity, understanding, and communal progress among community members.
The festival’s successes and challenges should be documented, and best practices should be shared with other communities to promote cultural exchange and improvement.
References
Bubo, A. M. (2013). A Brief History & Culture of Anjida People in North Central Nigeria. Lafia: Ngopol Quality Press (Nig.) Ltd.
Hunyadi, B., Zsuzsa, D., Peter, A. Inkei, J. & Jonas, Z. S. (2006) Festival World Summary Report. KulturpontIroda: Budapest.
Kerin-ja, J. G.(2016). The Mwenchie Family: In the History of Njida Clan. Kaduna: Prudent Universal Press & Publishing Co. Ltd.
Kerin-ja, J. G.(2021). The Evolution of Njida Chieftaincy Institution. Jos: LW Press.
Targema, J. B. (2022). Inter-Ethnic Relationship Tiv/Alago of Kadarko. Makurdi: Obama Publishers.
Oral Interview
Ali Kasimu Anjida April 2025
Audu Adamu. Anjida April 2025.
Jonathan Galadima Kerin-ja. Akwanga April 2025.
Labani Hussaini AnjidiApril 2025
Victor Peter Anjida 1 April 2025
