Even though short, Eid al Fitr holiday was an exceptional event for the people of the Sultanate of Oman. It was a moment of joy as all prayer areas and mosques opened their doors for performing prayers.
On Eid day, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik offered the Eid prayers at Al Khor Mosque in Muscat.
On the first day of Eid al Fitr, citizens and residents in the various governorates performed various rituals including slaughtering of animals.
On the first day of Eid, Omanis usually start with Aarsiya meal and some offer Al Migla’ai or Al Mihmas, a famous Omani dish prepared with liver, meat and flavoured spices. Omani Halwa is also served to guests in almost every house during the Eid days.
During the first day of Eid al Fitr, children are given Eidiya (money) which cements the concept of Sadaqa (alms giving) in their minds and hearts.
On the morning of the second day of Eid, families gather together to prepare for a special meal of barbecue (mishkak), where the meat is kept in Tannour (oven) in a hole at a depth of three to four metres and taken out on the third day of Eid. Then, the meal is shared with neighbours and relatives.
Khalfan al Khaldi, a retired government sector employee, was on top of the world as he came back from his home town Jarda. “I can’t express how happy I am to be able to see my family, all at once, after such a long time. Compared to previous Eids, this one was exceptional as we celebrated the way we used to before the pandemic, including offering Eid prayers in big numbers,” he said.
Echoing similar views, Abdul Aziz al Naamani, Muscat-based government employee, said, “The traditional ways of celebrating the big festivals in the country are coming back and this is evident when I saw how people celebrated this time. No one looked worried much about the health issues that have arisen as a result of Covid-19 but rather enjoyed to the fullest,” Naamani said.
Meanwhile, public parks continued to entertain visitors while recreational activities for children included horse electric games, electronic games, aerial and rubber games, watercraft, games of chance, and other games that meet the needs of children.
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