With Eid al Adha almost approaching and holidays been announced, Wilayat Sur is expected to experience a significant influx of visitors in its popular traditional market.
The market in Sur is famous for deals in livestock such as sheep, cows, and camels, while there is an option of other necessities for Eid al Adha, including luxury items, spices, sweets of all kinds, nuts, and other festive requirements.
Known as Habta the market serves as a platform utilised by the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises to organise exhibitions and facilitate the sale of products from entrepreneurs, artisans, and productive families.
It provides a valuable opportunity for breeders of sheep, cows, and camels to sell their livestock at favorable prices. Due to high demand, a bidding process known as the "calling" method has been adopted, enabling buyers to compete for different types of livestock.
The Eid festival holds particular significance for children, who find themselves captivated by the abundance of toys, sweets, and nuts while proudly donning their finest Omani attire. This experience is ingrained in their hearts a vivid depiction of Omani customs and traditions, which have been passed from one generation to the other.
Al Habta offers a wide range of Eid essentials, including clothing, livestock, Omani sweets, and children's toys. Omanis traverse the bustling Al-Hatba market in search of the best options, especially when it comes to selecting sacrificial animals.
A notable sight at Al Habta is the lively process of calling, where sheep, cows, and camels are publicly auctioned off to the highest bidders.
For children, Al Habta represents the first taste of Eid joy as they eagerly purchase toys, nuts, and traditional Omani delicacies that are sold at the market.
“When you step into the Al Habta market, you will be immersed in the rich tapestry of Omani customs that define the festive days of Eid. Here, you will find everything you need to prepare Al Arsiyah, a traditional meal consisting of rice and meat cooked in municipal ghee. This meal is typically enjoyed before attending the Eid prayer at the mosque,” said a regular customer of Al Habta market.
Visitors to the Habta can also find palm leaf chopsticks, barbecue dishes made from palm fronds, dried banana leaves, firewood for grilling and cooking, as well as knives and tools used for slaughtering and preparing the feast meat. Furthermore, the market caters to the requirements of Omani attire for men, including traditional daggers, walking sticks, dishdashas, shoes, and other accessories.
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