By Vinod Nair — MUSCAT: Feb 6 - Omani Japanese Friendship Society will be presenting a tea ceremony at Naseem Gardens between February 8 and 10. The special event will present the Chinese Tea which was presented to Japan by Buddhists monks nearly 1,000 years ago, which later became part of the Japanese culture. Initially it was seen as a high-end drink consumed by the elites, gradually started finding place among the commoners. Over the years, there has been this tradition of tea ceremonies organised to make the tea accessible to everyone.
Meanwhile, the foreigners visiting the Muscat Festival, especially from the GCC, said the event is different from what is seen in their respective countries.
“Although we see corporate banners on the streets and at the venues, the corporate touch is far subtle year. May be due to the economic climate, but what is important is that it is more about traditions,” said Yousuf who was visiting Muscat from Kuwait.
He said it will make a point to visit Oman around this time next year too.
“I came here for a business meeting but decided to bring the family this time at the last moment. “This is their first visit to Oman and they are really enjoying the air of innocence,” he said.
Jawaid Khan also from Kuwait had this to say. “It is completely different here. There is personal touch to everything and chances of meeting the same people again and again becoming friends seem quite natural here,” he said.
A movie event has been also organised by the faculty of arts at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
Meanwhile, cultural, edutainment and art programmes organised for the later stages of the festival have generated new interest among the visitors.
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