Thousands gather as Sare Ngai hosts dazzling cultural day showcasing rich traditions-Gambia
Thousands gather as Sare Ngai hosts dazzling cultural day showcasing rich traditions
Source point newspaper Gambia
Sare Ngai, a village in the Wulli West District of the Gambia’s Upper River Region, sits proudly along the border with Senegal. Known for its lively weekly market, the "Lumo", the village has become a beacon of cultural heritage and diversity.
Predominantly home to the Fulani, Sare Ngai is also enriched by Mandinka and other ethnic groups. Together they form a vibrant tapestry of traditions, celebrated each year through the village’s much-anticipated Cultural Day. The event is designed to showcase and preserve heritage while promoting unity and pride among its people.
This year’s Cultural Day drew thousands of visitors, including regional governor Samba Bah, presidential adviser Saikou Mballow, and the area’s National Assembly member. Organised by the Jallow Kunda family, the event was more than a festival, it was a statement of resilience, identity, and community spirit.
At the village, the Mandinka and various Fulani dialect groups each performed their traditional marriage ceremonies, proudly showcasing the distinctive ways in which their brides are dressed and the cultural practices that accompany the occasion.
Each bride was joined by her groom, both adorned in their respective traditional attire, reflecting the rich diversity of customs within the community.
The event was graced by the presence of the former regional governor of URR, Omar Sompo Ceesay, who now serves as a diplomat in India. Also in attendance were the regional police commissioner and several dignitaries from Senegal, adding further prestige to the celebration.
Renowned artists Big Flow, and Babsol Baba, are expected to entertain inhabitants of the area during the night program.
Traditional performances added depth to the occasion, with Fulani riti musicians and Mandinka masquerades captivating the crowd. Villagers and dignitaries alike, dressed in colourful attire, proudly captured the remarkable scenes on their mobile phones.
The organisers also demonstrated their commitment to community welfare by hosting a free medical clinic for residents. This initiative highlighted Sare Ngai’s dedication not only to preserving culture but also to improving lives.
Founded in 1931, Sare Ngai carries a proud legacy of traditional leadership. The chieftaincy was historically rooted in the village, beginning with Batch Jallow and later his son, the late Chokel Jallow. This heritage continues to inspire the community, reinforcing Sare Ngai’s role as a centre of authority and cultural pride.
Aside from the cultural displays, the organisers arranged games locally known as “Chokeh” in Fulani and “Choko” in Mandinka, with the winner receiving a cash prize.
Presidential Adviser Saikou Mballow has emphasised the importance of promoting and protecting cultural heritage, describing it as one of the key development priorities of President Barrow’s administration.
Speaking at the village event, Mballow noted that the diverse cultural performances by different ethnic groups clearly demonstrated unity within the community. He urged residents to maintain this momentum and actively contribute to the development of the village.
Mballow also reflected on the peace and progress the country has experienced under the current administration. He called on the inhabitants to jealously safeguard national peace and to continue strengthening their unwavering support for President Barrow’s government.
Regional Governor Samba Bah underscored the importance of culture as a unifying force during today’s event. He urged residents of the village and neighbouring communities to strengthen ties of unity, noting that although the village is predominantly Fulani, other ethnic groups also took part in the celebrations. Their participation, he said, demonstrated the spirit of togetherness that should be nurtured and continued.
Governor Bah emphasised that cultural identity must remain central, even as communities embrace modern education. “Western education should never mean abandoning our culture. We must ensure that we promote it, because it is our identity,” he declared.
Dr Sarjo Jallow of Sare Bhai and Malick J. Bah of Fulbe Africa both highlighted the significance of culture, stressing the need to educate young people in order to preserve and pass on cultural heritage to future generations.
The annual Cultural Day is more than an event, it is a living symbol of Sare Ngai’s determination to preserve tradition while embracing modernity. By bringing together diverse ethnic groups, showcasing artistry, and offering vital services, the village stands as a model of how culture can unite, inspire, and uplift communities.
Sare Ngai’s story is one of heritage, unity, and progress. Its people, dressed in their finest traditional attire, remind the nation and the region that culture is not just history, it is a living force that strengthens identity and builds bridges across generations.
