MUSCAT, FEB 12
Joy is renewed in the Wilayat of Sur on the 14th of Shaaban, as it celebrates Shaabaniya Day every Hijri year. This tradition has been passed down since ancient times and children eagerly await this day with great passion. Shaabaniya is an aspect of intangible heritage that the people of the Wilayat of Sur have preserved throughout the years, with details and stories that remain unchanged.
The 14th of Shaaban is a special day for the people of Sur, who proudly pass down this beautiful tradition from one generation to the next. Families prepare for the celebration by getting clothes for boys and girls, decorating girls' hands and feet with henna and buying sweets.
Early in the morning, children visit the homes of their parents, relatives and neighbours dressed in their finest clothes, receiving money and sweets from the people they visit.
Mohammed al Araimi, a resident of the Wilayat of Sur, explained, "Shaabaniya is a cultural tradition unique to the people of Sur. It is a heritage that has been passed down through generations and we are committed to preserving it. It holds a special significance for all of us."
Maryam al Ghailani added, "What sets the Shaabaniya Day celebrations in Sur apart is the community coming together to bring joy to the children. Children visit homes to receive money and gifts from family, neighbours and friends, or they tour different neighbourhoods in Sur. The festivities continue from morning until just before sunset."
Shaabaniya Day is seen as a way to strengthen social solidarity and instil its values in children. The children are the stars of this celebration, as they dress up and exude happiness and joy as if it were Eid.
The ways of celebrating Shaabaniya Day in Sur have evolved, with civil society institutions, agencies and companies joining in to share the joy with the community.
It is important to note that Shaabaniya Day is similar to Qaranqashu Day, celebrated in most wilayats of the Sultanate of Oman in the middle of Ramadhan. This tradition, known as Qarqeean in most Gulf countries, highlights the shared history and interconnectedness among GCC countries.
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