DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES ON EID PREPARATIONS

THE WRITER COMPARES THE SHOPPING STRATEGIES BEFORE RAMADHAN AND THE DIFFERENT PATHS OF PREPARATION FOR EID FESTIVAL WITH INSIGHTS FROM DIFFERENT FAMILIES

BEFORE RAMADHAN, families rush to the markets to secure their supplies for the fasting month as the market sees huge turnout in preparation for the Eid celebrations and to complete the requirements of the blessed month. Despite the keenness of many to meet their needs before the start of fasting so they can devote themselves to worship, there is another category that sees this as an opportunity to meet the needs of Eid and prepare for it completely, which reflects the diversity of preparations and preferences.

Mohammed al Kaabi, a parent, stresses the importance of fulfilling his needs before Ramadhan and follows a pre-planned shopping plan to ensure that all the needs of his family are met before fasting. However, he finds himself visiting the markets regularly to complete the other requirements that come to mind before Eid, including buying clothes that he designs in advance for his family members.

As for Abdulrahman al Risi, he points out that his family refuses to go shopping early, especially women, because they believe in the anxiety of limited shopping options and the unavailability of new products and the fear of better collections arriving after the purchase. He also considers it an additional preoccupation in the blessed days in which it is preferable to focus on worship, prayer and reciting the Quran.

Al Risi added that preparing for Eid cannot be done easily, as the process requires many steps and visits to different markets to buy clothes, shoes and necessary supplies as well as kitchenware and household appliances and even changing home furniture and buying meat.

He stressed that a clear planning is an essential basis for organising these operations, so that the head of the household can accomplish as much as possible to finish and get his chance to worship in the last days of Ramadhan.

Thabit al Bahri explained that shopping and providing Eid supplies is one of the most important things he plans before the countdown to Eid begins.

He focuses on coordinating with his family members to make appropriate decisions about the shopping destination and the required supplies. He prefers to complete part of the shopping before the end of the 25th of Ramadhan in order to expand the range of options and ensure everyone’s satisfaction.

He notes that it is possible to get discounted prices because there is enough time to bargain with sellers, while he notes that prices increase as Ramadhan approaches the end.

Muna Mohamed believes that shopping for Eid is a fun experience for women, as the markets open their doors until late at night, which gives women the opportunity to buy what they need during this long period.

In addition, she enjoys the ability to move between different markets during the same day, while shopping hours on normal days are limited and usually shuts by 10 pm, which makes shopping intermittent and less convenient.

Reinad al Balushi confirms this opinion and says that people usually shop for Eid during Ramadhan because they feel the joy and celebration of the approaching Eid and because they want to prepare for it from all aspects.

Some of them also wait for the last days of the month in the belief that everything new in the markets is available during that critical period.

I believe that shopping for Eid is a fun experience for women, as the markets open their doors until late at night, which gives women the opportunity to buy what they need during this long period