MUSCAT: Oman gears up for the joyous celebration of Eid al Adha as preparations unfold across governorates. Today, the first day of Eid al Adha will be marked by early morning scenes brimming with Eid fervour in every corner of the country.
In the Governorate of Muscat, the essence of Eid radiates through the enthusiastic preparations undertaken by both men and women. A notable spectacle is the ‘Habta,’ a tradition held three days prior to Eid, attracting vendors and artisans who showcase livestock, sheep, and palm frond products. Adorned in traditional Omani attire, children flock to these ‘Habta’ markets to purchase toys, sweets, and nuts.
The customary Omani meal, enjoyed on the first day before heading to the mosque for Eid prayers, takes centre stage in public gatherings and homes. After exchanging Eid greetings, festivities on the second day revolve around visits and outings to entertainment venues.
The Governorate of Musandam boasts its unique folklore, which reflects the joy and happiness during social and national occasions. The art of ‘Al Scar,’ a collective vocal performance by men known as ‘Al Rudaida,’ who gather around a talented singer called ‘Nedab,’ resonates with distinct sounds.
Another local art form, ‘Al Rawah,’ practiced in Musandam, involves drumming on drums made from Sidr trees, known by various names depending on the time of day or evening. Diverse traditional arts continue to thrive in the governorate, including ‘Al Razfa,’ ‘Al Sahba,’ and ‘Al Azi,’ which embody the rich customs of Omani folk arts preserved to this day.
In Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the traditional social custom deeply rooted in heritage takes centre stage. They serve as economic resources and tourist attractions, showcasing sheep, supplies, and luxuries.
Both Al Batinah North and Al Batinah South governorates partake in the celebrations, with villages hosting general gatherings called ‘Al Sabla.’ Families come together in a joyful, loving atmosphere, upholding customs that have transcended generations. Coffee and traditional meals such as fried ‘Al Taqliyya’ with local bread, Omani honey, ‘Al Arsiya,’ ‘Qabuli,’ ‘Biryani,’ and ‘Harees’ are savoured, alongside Omani coffee, fruits, vegetables, and sweets.
Welcoming the festivities, each governorate showcases unique manifestations of joy, including folk arts like ‘Al Azwa’ and ‘Omani Al Razha,’ camel riding competitions, and activities dedicated to productive families and craftswomen to sell and promote their products, all while children enjoy various games.
Al Dhahirah Governorate prepares for the festivity by reinvigorating the market scene, racing to purchase barbecue necessities such as traditional spices, palm fronds locally known as ‘khasf,’ and grilling supplies.
The tradition of communal sharing of oven-prepared barbecue meat among neighbourhood residents prevails, with locally made grill sticks crafted from green and moist palm fronds. Women participate by preparing homemade Eid sweets and popular dishes like ‘Harees,’ ‘porridge,’ and ‘Khabeesa.’
Al Wusta Governorate makes its Eid preparations, with residents purchasing sacrificial animals from various markets across the wilayats. The local markets, including the ‘Zahr Al Shabi’ market in Al Duqm and the ‘Al Sabt’ market in Al Jazir in addition to preparing popular food in all its forms.
In addition to preparing a wide variety of popular foods, including traditional Omani sweets, coffee, and local bread known as ‘Qalib,’ the residents of Al Buraimi Governorate eagerly engage in purchasing children's games and toys.
On the first day of the occasion, they commence the day by preparing a special wedding meal before heading to the Eid prayer hall to fulfil the religious rites.
Following the prayer, people exchange greetings, offer congratulations, indulge in delicious Omani meals, and present Omani sweets and coffee. This joyous celebration continues for three days, involving visits to relatives and friends, as well as the commemoration of various folk arts.
Al Buraimi Governorate experiences a surge in visitors from across Oman in anticipation of Eid. The diverse markets in the governorate, offering a wide range of options and competitive prices, become popular destinations for early morning till late night. Notably, the vegetable and fruit market, seasonal produce market, and tailoring shops for both men and women attract significant attention from visitors.
Among the notable activities preceding Eid, the Al Buraimi Bazaar has become a customary event in the governorate. It provides Omani women with abundant choices for clothing, perfumes, and various luxuries, serving as a marketing platform for productive families to offer essential items for women during the Eid period.
In Dhofar Governorate, residents, including children, are enthusiastic about early Eid preparations, which involve procuring traditional foods like Omani sweets, coffee, and local bread. Moreover, they meticulously gather the necessary ingredients for local delicacies such as pasta, Harees, and Madhabi, which are prepared using sacrificial meat.
After performing the prayers, worshippers gather in mosques or chapels to exchange heartfelt congratulations and blessings. Subsequently, they visit the homes of their relatives, offering peaceful greetings and felicitations before the sacrificial animals are slaughtered, following the noble traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Once the sacrifice is complete, families assemble around sumptuous luncheons prepared from the sacrificial meat. These delectable dishes, representing local culinary traditions, grace the tables throughout the days of Tashreeq, fostering visits, strengthening kinship ties, and promoting communication with friends and neighbours.
In Al Sharqiyah North and Al Sharqiyah South governorates, residents display a particular fondness for preparing the ‘Al Arsiya and Al Madhabi’ meals during the initial days of Eid.
Upon returning from the prayers, families gather to exchange congratulations and partake in the evening meal, usually consisting of tender young lamb, rice, spices, and municipal ghee.
The dish is carefully mixed until the meat is perfectly blended with the rice. Another cherished meal, the ‘Madhabi,’ is prepared by creating a pit, where large and thin slices of meat are placed atop hot pebbles. Cooked on both sides until it turns a vibrant red, this dish holds a special place in the Eid festivities. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
