One of the unique features of the African continent is its year-round religious festivities. Almost every culture in Africa celebrates one festivity or another, throughout the year.
In Ghana, West Africa, there are over 50 indigenous languages, each with an identifiable religious festivity.
However, one of the most amazing festivals in Ghana is the Bugum festival (Fire Festival), celebrated by the Dagomba tribe in the northern region of the country.
The Dagomba people have twelve months in a year. These months are based on the lunar calendar, with 30 days or 29 days clear. When the moon completes a 30 days cycle, the Dagomba people call it " Goli pali" (Completed Moon). If the cycle however completes on the 29th day, it is known as " Goli kabili "(Uncompleted Moon).
Origin of Bugum festival
Historically, the Bugum chugu is one of the oldest festival of the Dagbamba people. It dates as far back as the 15th century, when Naa Zoligu was king of Dagbon.
Naa Zoligu is the 7th Yaa-Naa, right from Naa Shitɔbu, to have ascended the Gbewaa skin.
His reign lasted from around 1469 to 1486.
During his reign, his first grandson, Naa Dariʒiɛɣu went missing in the bush. Oral history has it that, Naa Dariʒiɛɣu was taken by a group of dwarfs when he followed his father, Naa Zɔŋ and brothers to the farm.
All efforts to trace the whereabouts of Naa Zoligu's favorite grandson proved futile. Naa Zoligu however insisted that Naa Dariʒiɛɣu be found since the soothsayers have informed him consistently that his grandson was alive and well.
