For hundreds of shopkeepers inside the historic Muttrah Souq, an Eid without Ali, a man who passes through the narrow aisles of the Souq beating on his drums wishing them ‘Eid Mubarak’, has become unimaginable.
On the eve of every Eid, they await his arrival with a huge drum hung around his neck and a song praising the Eid on his lips.
And for Ali Bahar al Balushi, a local citizen in his late sixties, it has been a routine for numerous decades announcing the arrival of Eid through Muttrah. Spotting him, the citizens and expatriates inside the Souq will happily share some few rials with him.
“It has become my privilege over several decades to visit each and every shop here (inside the Souq) and wish them and their families a very happy Eid”, Al Balushi spoke while hitting another note with the sticks on the drum.
He moved past shops that sold dresses, frankincense and ornaments at a brisk pace, smiling and wishing his friends of many years before bidding adieu saying ‘see you on next Eid’.
KABEER YOUSUF
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