As Eid al Adha is drawing closer, crowds at the Habta market in Nizwa are getting bigger. Nizwa market is one of the most important traditional markets in the Sultanate that brings people from across governorates.
People have been flocking to the market to seek a sacrifice for the first day of the Eid since morning. It has remained crowded since Friday. The market is expected to see bigger crowds on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Sale of livestock is the most prominent activity in the market, where there is a great demand from both sellers and buyers.
Livestock sellers find the Eid an ideal opportunity to increase the price and make good money. Buyers have little choice but to shell out more.
Visitors find the prices are very high due to the increasing demand for various types of local meat.
Prices vary depending on the type of cattle and their size. The price of a goat goes up to RO 300 and that of cattle up to RO 1,000. The price will only increase as the Eid draws closer. Sellers, however, say the prices are high because of the quality of the meat.
Apart from livestock, the Habta market is a must-visit for buying a lot of goods needed for the Eid.
For instance, people from far-off places visit the market only to buy Omani halwa which comes with different flavours, including saffron, cardamom, rose water, etc.
AMAL AL RIYAMI
Pictures by Hassan al Mayahi
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