Nizwa Habta market abuzz with activity ahead of Eid
The Habta market in Nizwa witnessed a huge rush on Friday, with customers trying to get the best deals ahead of the Eid.
Eid Habta market in Nizwa is a traditional fair held every Friday, and on the occasion of Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha next to Nizwa Central Souq.
Just before Eid al Fitr, the market sees a large turnout of citizens, residents and visitors, besides stockbreeders and their animals.
It began on the 26th day of Ramadhan. The number of visitors was high on Friday because it was the last Friday of this holy month.
Customers were looking for better stuff, especially live meat, while visitors were enjoying the atmosphere.
A system called Al Munadat, or calling, is used for selling sheep, cows and camels at the auction.
The livestock auctions take place in allocated areas with professional auctioneers, who earn about three per cent of each livestock sold. There are nearly 30 auctioneers in the market.
The price of livestock starts from RO 300 and goes up to RO 800, and sometimes even RO 1,000. The price of a goat could start at RO 60 and go up to RO 300.
The Habta markets represent a great opportunity for buying Omani breeds of sheep and cows. The goats and cows are brought from various governorates or other countries.
In Nizwa, Habta markets, one can purchase all Eid-related goods such as clothes for men, fruits, vegetables and Omani traditional foods — halwa and harees.
You can also find household goods, including traditional coffee pots, handicrafts, plates, jewellery, barbecue, fireworks and plastic guns, daggers, swords, sticks, belts, turbans, Omani Kummah and much more.
However, selling/ buying of goats and cows for the Eid is the most important activity at the market.