Dala hill, from which the Dala area in Kano city got its name, is undoubtedly shrouded in mystery and myth. The ancient hill, which stands tall in the city, is so alluring and captivating that anyone on a visit to Kano will desire to see its top.Though time and nature have started taking their tolls on the hill, it still embodies those fairy tales that people who have lived around it for centuries continue to hold.
According to the historical accounts from natives of the area, Dala was named after a hunter who once lived at the hill. They claimed that the entire area where the hill is today was a deep forest until their forefathers decided to settle down around it.There are many mythical stories about it, which some settlers regard as spiritual and superstitious. In those days, it was believed that only Dala natives could go up the hill at a particular period of the day. Even now, to an extent, people still hold that belief. It is believed that a non-indigene cannot go up the hill after 8pm without a consequence.
Till today, a deep well, popularly known as Rijiyar kare kukan ka (the well where you will cry out your tears without help) is believed to be on top of Dala hill. The mysterious well, according to the elders of Dala, is the most frightening myth about the hill. It is so deep that when a stone is dropped into it, it would take about 20 minutes before one could hear the splash of water to signify its landing. They claimed that a number of people and animals had fallen into the well and could not be rescued. The well, according to them, is still on the hill, but no one has ever fetched water from it because of its depth. They said it was not dug by anybody and it never gets filled up with water since it was discovered on the hill.
“The hill has brought fame and recognition to us in Dala because people come from different countries of the world just to climb it. The myth surrounding this place is one that has been passed on from generation to generation, beginning from our forefathers.“Takutaha is an age-long celebration that I believe cannot be stopped.
We met our parents doing it and they in turn met their grandparents doing it. Our children are now partaking in it as well. We even have security men to ensure that the celebrations are conducted peacefully every year. In the last 20 years we have not had any problem during the Takutaha period because we have a very good mai unguwa (head of the area) who always ensures that things are done peacefully.
“If you come here by 2am I would pick up my torch and take you up the hill. The people in Dala take pride in the hill while people in Madabo take pride in being in a place with the most knowledgeable Islamic scholars in the state.
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