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Tobaski is one of the major festivals on the Muslim calendar and observed by many in Gunjur village.

I arrived in the village shortly after dark by bus. Tired, I went to bed early and fell asleep almost as soon as I hit the pillow. I woke up to the beautiful sight of people in new-looking attires and the festive mood was unmistakable. The festival was formally marked at the village praying ground on which thousands of people descended. Soon after rams were slaughtered, some of whose meat was given to relatives, friends and those who did not have one.

In the evening, the village centre was jam-packed full of children who obviously were having a nice Tobaski and some of them could be seen giving some of their pocket money, locally known as “SALIBO”, to the photographer to take their pictures in their beautiful attires.

The next three days that followed were littered with musical programs and parties which were all entertaining and enjoyable. Too bad - I had to come back to Serrekunda here to prepare for my first-term exams on the day the hottest, most popular DJ in the Gambia and his entourage were to descend on Gunjur and treat its people to some scintillating music. Poor me!!!!!! But next time:

Sainey Darboe.

Note from Pippa: Sainey is sitting with his family in the front row of the photo. He is wearing a purple outfit similar to that of his father (sitting immediately to the right) while Alhassan, his twin brother who also writes for our blog, is sitting to the left (next but one) in a white outfit.