Sunday 24 / November / 2024
Muscat: Shops and hypermarkets in the Sultanate of Oman witnessed a massive rush of customers on the eve of Eid Al Fitr on Sunday.
People were seen buying commodities with their family members to mark the Eid festival.
Many people have bought sheep and goats in advance to avoid the last minute rush.
People in the country were seen buying Eid needs early from the multiple markets that include clothes, foodstuffs and various traditional foods that are served at the Eid.
With the approach of Eid al Fitr, citizens and expats have also made a beeline to the Habta, a traditional market, held in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
Habta market
The Habta market is held three days before Eid al Fitr and is one of the most authentic way to preserve the Omani heritage.
In these markets, shoppers were seen procuring livestock, spices, fruits, dates, and Omani sweets.
In addition to culinary delights, the market buzzes with activity surrounding traditional jewelleries, daggers, sticks, and women’s handicrafts.
These ornamental treasures add a touch of splendor to Omani attire, enhancing the festive atmosphere and elevating the spirit of Eid.
Omani citizen, Mohammed said that he visits these Habta markets every year as the prices are reasonable.
Muscat Municipality has announced that its slaughterhouses in Seeb and Amerat are prepared to meet the increased demand in meat that accompanies Eid al Fitr.
To deliver top-notch service, the facilities at the slaughterhouses have well-coordinated teams of butchers, cleaners and other essential personnel, besides the latest slaughtering equipment.
To meet the expected increase in demand, working hours at the slaughterhouses have been extended. Prior to Eid al Fitr, livestock, including sheep and goats, will be processed from 7am to 2pm, while the evening slots from 7pm to 10pm are reserved for cows and camels.
This schedule will continue on the first and second days of Eid Al Fitr, with operations adjusting to a morning-only schedule from 6am to 1pm from the third day onwards.
North Al Batinah witnessing active movement and demand from sellers and buyers
Engineer Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinai, Director General of the North Al Batinah Municipality, said: "This year, several Eid Habta Markets will be held in various wilayats of the governorate, accompanied by a number of events. The Eid Habta Markets activities, which coincide with the 27th of Ramadan. It is divided into three periods, morning and evening, and after Tarawih prayers, where a tent dedicated to owners of local products has been prepared. The Habta continues until the last days of the blessed month."
Al Hinai pointed out that various products and livestock are displayed during the Habta in the Wilayat of Liwa, and it continues until the end of the blessed month during the morning period. The Wilayat of Liwa is witnessing special events for productive families at the kiosks site on the main road, through the sale of ready-made clothes, toys, sweets, and various palm fronds, with some competitions being offered at the site, such as Holy Quran competitions, Islamic songs, and children’s competitions.
He added: "As for the Wilayat of Al Khaboura, it is witnessing Eid celebrations in the Al-Sarhat area, next to the municipal slaughterhouse, which include an auction for the sale of livestock, a display of family products, and the sale of clothes, luxuries, and palm fronds."
The Director General of the North Batinah Municipality confirmed that the Eid Habta activities began in the Wilayat of Saham on Friday and will continue until the end of the blessed month. Several events are held in the Souq Saham next to the central market in the wilayat , including: a display of the products of productive families, the sale of children’s toys, a special corner for bicycles, and a display of the products of the Omani Women’s Association in the wilayat.
