Abstract:
The study has tried to Assess the practice and value of Ashura festival. It also examines the
current practice of this festival in the study area. The descriptive design backed by case
analysis, both qualitative and qualitative approach has been employed for this study. The
target populations of the study were religious leader, elderly and historian, youth association,
school’s principals, tourism and culture experts, local guides, tourist information center,
University, Museum and heritage related institutions, employee and senior officers, higher
officials of relevant governmental institution. 297 samples were drawn from the target
population through probability and non-probability sampling designs. Then data was
collected through key informant interview, FGD and questionnaire through simple random
and purposive sampling. The analysis has revealed that the customary practice of Ashura
precedes the introduction of Islam among the Harari community. The practices are more
likely associated with the ancient solar calendar of whom Harari inherited from their
ancestor. Currently, the celebration of Ashura Festival has incorporated both religious and
customary practice. The festival exhibited the historical evolution of the Harari community
from sheltering in pre-historic cave settlement into the Geyusu (people of the city or simply
urban dweller). Hence the study argues the importance of reconsidering the origin of Harari
as native to Ethiopia rather than migrant. Though the interpretation and meaning might shape
over time like any other festival. The pillar of the festival focuses on wishes for health, peace,
and prosperity in the coming year. Analysis has revealed that the Ashura festival has
enormous historical, cultural, religious, political, and economic significance. The festive has
research and discovery value, symbolic value, reinforcing the social order, unity and
familiarization unifying and sustaining cultural groups, social integration and mutual co-
existence economic value, medicinal value, health, and wellness values. However, despite such
excellent value, unsatisfactory condition has been revealed regarding the practice of Ashura
festival in Harari Regional State