Dabshid or Istunka- A festival of the beginning of Somali solar calender.

Culture is a symbol of societies in the world, it speaks up the identity of every nation. As a Somali we have a golden heritage and culture such as poets (Some scholars call us " The nation of poet"), folk dances and architecture. But, now I wanna to give a beautifull illustrations on   "Dabshid or Istunka" which has a feature of interesting and part of our folk dances.

Dabshid or Istunka is a yearly mock fight known as ‘Istunka’ or ‘Dabshid’ which takes place at the river-side town of Afgooye, situated on the bank of the Shebeele River about 30 kilometers south-west of Mogadishu, the capital city of the Somali Republic. And also the Mogadishu itself.

Dabshid (lighting of the fire) marks the beginning of Somali solar calender. The calculation of the start of the solar year is made by weather and traditional experts and has a realistic values for stock herders and farmers.

During the "Dabshid" a small bonfire is lit in the evening and everyone is supposed to try to jump over it. Burning sticks are thrown into the sky. This indicates that they are throwing and jumping over all the difficulties in the year to come "SHAR XIJAAB" at the end of the festival, the members of the festival embrace each other with joy, love and happiness.

On the hand," Istunka" or "Dabshid" is a same festival held annually in the town of Afgooye. But,  Istunka was originally performed in full combat gear, with battle-axes, swords and daggers. For safety reasons, today, performers replaced those weapons with a large sticks. Istunka is still last as a traditional battle in Afgooye. Performers who reside on the western bank  of Shabelle river in Afgooye intersects the town confronting others on the eastern bank. The purpose of this festival is to mark the beginning of crop and livestock production. They believe that no rain will come if the practice of Istunka stopped.

Finally, "Dabshid" or "Istunka" is a festival which is usually held on 27 July or early August and lasts 3 days in Afgooye and Benadir region including Mogadishu. The main aim of this practice is to mark the beginning of harvesting season and free from failure of crops followed by famine and plague.

Written by:  Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman