Muscat: With the advent of Eid Al Fitr, Omani homes are filled with the aroma of traditional sweets, which are a symbol of celebration and joy. Omani halwa occupy a special place on Eid tables, as they embody a rich cultural heritage and offer a unique taste experience that delights adults and children alike.
The Omani halwa industry is a long-standing tradition that has been around for dozens of years. This industry is still thriving today, with many families inheriting the secrets of its preparation over the generations.
Omani halwa is made from pure natural ingredients, such as starch, sugar, ghee, rose water, saffron, cardamom and nuts. They come in a variety of flavours, from dark sweets (black), so called because they are originally light or dark brown and do not reach the degree of blackness, to "date" sweets, to "frankincense" sweets with their distinctive flavour and other distinctive varieties.
Omani halwa is offered to guests on various occasions, especially on Eid Al Fitr. Omanis are keen to offer it to visitors as an expression of generosity and hospitality and to welcome them to their homes.
Omani halwa shops witness a great turnout during the days of Eid, as people flock to buy different types. These sweets are a distinctive gift for friends and relatives, as an expression of congratulations and blessings.
The Omani halwa industry contributes to stimulating the national economy and provides job opportunities for many Omanis. This industry is part of the Omani cultural heritage and contributes to preserving the national identity.
Yaqoub al Raisi said, "Omani halwa factories, which are one of the most important customs and traditions of Omani society during the Eid celebration, become more active just a few days before Eid Al Fitr. He added Omani citizens are keen to buy Omani halwa because of their special character in Omani society in hospitality, which has become famous at the Gulf and global levels.
Al Raisi added, "During the two days before Eid, you always find all the halwa shops full of customers who flock to buy Omani sweets to present as hospitality in the council for Eid guests."
For his part, citizen Omar al Amri said that Omani halwa decorate the tables of Omani families on Eid Al Fitr, to add a distinctive flavour to this religious occasion and embody a symbol of hospitality and authentic generosity.
Umm Mohammad said, "Every year I am keen to buy Omani sweets in different types to present to our guests and my family members." She pointed out that no Omani home is free of Omani halwa on holidays, as it is a culture for us to decorate the dessert table.
She added, "We are keen to buy Omani halwa from different shops in the Sultanate of Oman. Each region has its own flavour, which makes Omani halwa a unique taste experience."
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