A Durbar horseman at the "Hawan Daushe" parade in Kano. In the long history of a military parade, the origin of the word, durbar, comes from Urdu, darbār, (dar meaning door and bār meaning entry or audience). Some say that the Durbar in Nigeria dates back 200 years when horses were used in warfare to protect the Emirate. Each noble household was expected to defend the Emirate by forming a regiment. Once a year, the regiments would gather for a military parade to demonstrate allegiance to the Fulani ruler, by showcasing their horsemanship, readiness for war, and loyalty.