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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Expression of colourful diversity

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Kabeer Yousuf -


MUSCAT, Jan. 20  -


With a gamut of fun-filled activities and events spiced up with amusement, creativity, entertainment, education and innovation, the Muscat Festival offers an array of entertainment for all ages.


The annual festival, held at two important parks, is known for its emphasis on Oman’s tradition and culture and the Muscat Municipality’s endeavour to educate the present and future generations on the rich heritage of the Sultanate.


Adding to the festival’s tradition element, Saleh Najim al Alawi, an avid campaigner of goodness is seen walking across the Amerat Park urging people to do good to the fellow beings whenever possible through his handheld microphone.


“My family and I really enjoy the festival every year and my kids thoroughly enjoy the rides, especially the camel rides,” Ronaldo Estrada, a civil engineer who was visiting the park with his family and friends, told the Observer. This year, he has brought in his octogenarian mother to experience the colours of the festival.


While international rides, jugglers and stilt walkers keep the audience wowed, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has made it a point to enlighten the children on the evils of drugs and narcotic products with its mobile campaign bus right at the entrance.


“The response to the campaign is really awe-inspiring for children vow not to try any such substances after being to the campaign,” Salem al Siyabi and Hana al Hadi, two ROP officials who were facilitating the mobile expo, said.


While the Cultural and Heritage Village at the two venues displays Oman’s prehistoric era, giving glimpses of life in Oman in the past, the International Village promises a kaleidoscopic view of some 25 countries of the world.


“We often come to the park whenever the Muscat Festival begins,” says Khamis Fathima, a Bengali national living in the outskirts of the capital city. “But I make it a point to bring all my friends to the park from day one and we frequent the parks every weekend,” she adds.


The annual gala of colours, history and tradition — The Muscat Festival also includes a diverse spectrum of activities, programmes and events spiced up with amusement, creativity, entertainment, education and innovation appealing to the interests of one and all visiting the festival grounds.


Although the festival is being held at the Naseem Public Park and Al Amerat Public Park, A’Seeb Beach, Al Madinah Theatre, Oman Automobile Club, Oman Tour routes, Omani Society of Writers and Literati, Oman Photography Club, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Cultural Club are some other venues that will in the coming days witness fun, informational


as well as adrenaline-pumping events.


The timings of Naseem Garden and Amerat Park are from 4 pm to 11 pm. The entry fee is 200bz for adults while children are charged 100bz.


The cultural events include a number of lectures, seminars, poetry readings and chant nights. Theaters and arenas at Al Naseem and Al Amerat parks stage variety of cultural events.


Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) to which Oman Daily Observer and Oman Arabic belongs, is a media partner of the 24-day long event.


The daily fireworks accompanied by classical music begins at 8.30 pm wows the gathering.


“The fireworks are something that is a sure shot to enthrall you”, says Mevish, a Pakistani expatriate in Muscat. “We were really gasping for breath witnessing the 10-minute-long fireworks that lit up the entire area”.


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