Eid is all about prayers, feasting, family and friends

“Usually, on the first day of Eid, the entire family gathers in what we call a ‘big house’, which is usually the house of my grandfather and grandmother. There, we meet up with all our uncles and aunts and their children before going back home,” he added.

North Al Batinah

Said Al Badi from Al Batinah described how the men in the Wilayat of Saham celebrate Eid. “Our celebrations last three days. On the first day, everyone gathers for Eid prayers early in the morning, after that men head to gathering halls such as a majlis or sabla where we eat traditional foods such as harees, thareed, and different sweets. After that, everyone heads out to visit their families and neighbours. We normally start during lunch time and continue into the evening.”

“On the second day, we meet family again for lunch and dinner. Throughout the three days, we eat rice and meat for lunch, while for dinner we have bread with either mishkak or mqalaiy.

Like many other parts of Oman, we have shuwa on the third day,” said Al Badi.

“Halwa, Omani coffee, and shuwa are all a must during Eid. In my village, we prepare the shuwa by placing the mutton or beef into a hole on the first day after Dhuhr or Asr prayers, as the meat needs one-to-two days to cook,” he added.

Al Sharqiyah South

In the South Al Sharqiyah province, traditions widely vary from town to town. Haitham Al Arimi, an Omani from Jalan Bani Bu Ali, said, “Our special Eid meal in Jalan is ‘arseia mixed with meat’.

We usually eat it early in the morning.”

Full story @ timesofoman.com/oman