Rigata is a Gunganci word meaning ‘Marine War’. This annual cultural festival of the Yauri people involves riverine maneuvers including water sport and entertainment.
The festival started about 200 years ago as a display of navy strength of Gungu people, where Gungu warriors annually attack the most dangerous Hippopotamus in the area of the river Niger.
Warriors then boarded various sizes of Canoes with different type of weapons to attack the Hippo. This required expertise in canoe paddling and naval war fare. It also served as training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors. Though this aspect was long discontinued to preserve the Hippos, the Rigata has continued to become a display of buoyancy and prestige.
Presently, the Rigata is done alongside an agricultural show to display the prowess of the farmers in Yauri Emirate as the region is rich in agricultural products such as rice, maize, guinea corn and fishing.
Yauri Emirate boast of part of the Kainji Lake Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in Nigeria. The people are hospitable and peaceful.
When is the Rigata Festival:
The Rigata Festival holds annually in the month of February.
Activities to enjoy at the Rigata Festival includes:
Cultural shows
Water sports
Rigata
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