Sha‘baniyah sparks pre-Ramadhan joy

As Oman prepares to welcome the holy month of Ramadhan, the Wilayat of Sur comes alive with the annual celebration of Sha‘baniyah, a cherished folk tradition that continues to reflect the depth of Omani social values and the enduring bond between generations.
Observed on the eve of mid-Sha‘ban, Sha‘baniyah is a long-established custom across many wilayats.
In Sur, however, the occasion carries a distinctive charm, where heritage, community cohesion and childhood joy come together in a simple yet meaningful celebration.
From the afternoon until sunset, children move through their neighbourhoods in small groups, dressed in traditional attire, carrying cloth bags as they chant familiar folk songs and knock on doors. Residents warmly welcome them with sweets and treats.
Beyond its festive spirit, Sha‘baniyah represents an important social practice that reinforces values of generosity, solidarity and neighbourly connection. It offers children an early cultural introduction to the spirit of sharing and social responsibility — principles deeply rooted in Omani identity and closely linked to the approaching holy month.
Parents in Sur stress the importance of preserving such traditions amid rapid social and technological change. Ahmed bin Salem al Araimi, a parent from Sur, highlighted the broader meaning of the occasion.
“Sha‘baniyah is not merely a celebration for children; it is a social and educational experience. It teaches our children respect, appreciation and the importance of community bonds — values we strive to pass on to future generations,” he said.
Maryam bint Khamis al Farsi, another parent, pointed to the emotional impact of the day on children. “The joy our children feel on Sha‘baniyah is genuine and pure. It gives them a sense of belonging and connects them to their cultural roots in a very natural way. These moments stay with them long after the sweets are gone,” she said.
For Sur’s young residents, Sha‘baniyah remains one of the most anticipated days of the year. Nine-year-old Saif bin Hamad al Suri shared his excitement as he prepared to join his friends. “I love Sha‘baniyah because we wear our traditional clothes, sing together and visit our neighbours. It feels like the whole neighbourhood is happy,” he said.
Rashid bin Mazen al Ghailani, 8, echoed the sense of unity the day brings. “We wait for Sha‘baniyah every year. We go out together, laugh and collect sweets. The best part is being with my friends and seeing everyone smile,” he said.
Seven-year-old Lulwa bint Nasser al Suri described her own simple joy. “I like collecting the sweets and going home to sort them with my mother. I also share them with my sisters,” she said.
What distinguishes Sha‘baniyah in Sur is the community’s collective effort to maintain the tradition in an orderly and respectful manner. Families guide children to observe proper behaviour, ensure their safety while moving between houses, and remind them of the values behind the celebration rather than focusing solely on material rewards.
Culturally, Sha‘baniyah also serves as a social prelude to Ramadhan, nurturing a spirit of generosity and togetherness that mirrors the essence of the holy month. In this way, the tradition plays a subtle yet vital role in preparing younger generations for the spiritual atmosphere of fasting, charity and compassion.
Despite modern lifestyles and changing social patterns, Sha‘baniyah continues to thrive in Sur, demonstrating the resilience of Omani heritage and the community’s commitment to safeguarding its intangible cultural practices.
As children’s voices fill the streets and doors open in welcome, Sha‘baniyah once again affirms that cultural heritage is not only preserved in museums or history books, but lived — joyfully and collectively — in the heart of the community.