Habta: A vibrant pre-Eid tradition in Al Sharqiyah South
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 09,2024 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 09,2024
'Habta' is considered one of the ancient traditional customs of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.
The 'Habta' custom is considered one of the ancient traditional customs of Al Sharqiyah South which precedes the blessed Eid al Adha. This custom combines joy, happiness, and the necessary preparations for Eid, in which various products and goods are exchanged in an open market characterised by a festive atmosphere.
Habta is considered one of the Omani social legacies and customs, to which citizens are keen to buy and sell sacrificial animals, Eid supplies, and other local products. Supplies, local agricultural products, children’s toys, and other items are also on offer for which the citizens come from various places to shop and buy.
To shed light on this custom, some of the citizens shared their experiences about the tradition.
Khalid bin Muhanna al Ismaili, Director, Department of Events and Awareness, Municipality of Al Sharqiyah South, says the process of organising, distributing, and determining the location for the sale of livestock is underway.
The governorate’s preparations coincide with the Sur Habta starting on the fifth day of Dhul Hijjah which is followed by Wilayat of Al Kamil W'al Wafi, and after the seventh day, in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan.
The people of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate flock to the shops where the products on offer are varied and suitable for different age groups. Care is also taken to provide websites for owners of SMEs so they can showcase their household products. Some stalls sell food and fast food products.
Says Saeed al Bahri, an elderly in Sur, 'Habta in Sur is not just a market, but rather a social occasion that brings together the people and tourists alike. The market begins several days before Eid and continues until the day of Arafat. We come to the market to buy Eid supplies, such as clothes, sweets, and meat, and also exchange news and congratulations with friends, and relatives. '
Ali al Ghailani, a merchant spoke about the economic aspect of the custom. He says, 'Al Habta represents a golden opportunity for us as merchants, as people from different regions flock to buy Eid supplies. We are keen to provide the best products at competitive prices. In addition, Al Habta also helps strengthen the local economy and support national products.'
The Habta custom is not just a traditional market, but rather a social, cultural, and economic occasion that combines the past and the present.
Residents and visitors confirm the huge importance of in strengthening social ties and preserving Omani cultural heritage. The gift is an opportunity for commercial exchange and social communication and reflects the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that characterises Omani society.
Habta is considered one of the Omani social legacies and customs, to which citizens are keen to buy and sell sacrificial animals, Eid supplies, and other local products. Supplies, local agricultural products, children’s toys, and other items are also on offer for which the citizens come from various places to shop and buy.
To shed light on this custom, some of the citizens shared their experiences about the tradition.
Khalid bin Muhanna al Ismaili, Director, Department of Events and Awareness, Municipality of Al Sharqiyah South, says the process of organising, distributing, and determining the location for the sale of livestock is underway.
The governorate’s preparations coincide with the Sur Habta starting on the fifth day of Dhul Hijjah which is followed by Wilayat of Al Kamil W'al Wafi, and after the seventh day, in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan.
The people of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate flock to the shops where the products on offer are varied and suitable for different age groups. Care is also taken to provide websites for owners of SMEs so they can showcase their household products. Some stalls sell food and fast food products.
Says Saeed al Bahri, an elderly in Sur, 'Habta in Sur is not just a market, but rather a social occasion that brings together the people and tourists alike. The market begins several days before Eid and continues until the day of Arafat. We come to the market to buy Eid supplies, such as clothes, sweets, and meat, and also exchange news and congratulations with friends, and relatives. '
Ali al Ghailani, a merchant spoke about the economic aspect of the custom. He says, 'Al Habta represents a golden opportunity for us as merchants, as people from different regions flock to buy Eid supplies. We are keen to provide the best products at competitive prices. In addition, Al Habta also helps strengthen the local economy and support national products.'
The Habta custom is not just a traditional market, but rather a social, cultural, and economic occasion that combines the past and the present.
Residents and visitors confirm the huge importance of in strengthening social ties and preserving Omani cultural heritage. The gift is an opportunity for commercial exchange and social communication and reflects the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that characterises Omani society.