5 things Bahrain indulges in during Eid Al Adha!
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Report by Zahra Ayaz
Eid Al Adha, also known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice”, is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated across the Gulf region. Marking the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Eid Al Adha is a time for families to come together, reflect, and indulge in special traditions and festivities.
Here are 5 things the Gulf region especially likes to indulge in during this special time of year:
1. Lavish Feasts
No Eid Al Adha celebration is complete without an abundance of delicious food. Families across the Gulf region go all out, preparing elaborate feasts featuring classic regional dishes. Some popular menu items include lamb or goat dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat), ouzi (stuffed lamb), and fahsa (slow-cooked meat stew).
These hearty meals are often accompanied by an assortment of mezze (small dishes), from hummus and baba ghanoush to fattoush salad. And no Eid feast is complete without an array of traditional sweets like baklava, luqaimat (fried dough balls), and qatayef (stuffed pancakes).
2. Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is an integral part of Eid Al Adha in the Gulf. Children eagerly await Eidiyyah, the cash gifts they receive from elder family members. But the gift-giving extends beyond just kids - adults also exchange presents, often focusing on items like perfumes, jewelry, and clothing. Shopping for the perfect Eid gifts is something of a national pastime in the days leading up to the holiday.
3. New Clothes
Speaking of clothing, wearing smart, new outfits is another Eid Al Adha tradition in the Gulf. Both adults and children take pride in donning their finest, freshly purchased attire for the Eid prayers and festivities. Department stores and boutiques see a major spike in sales in the weeks before Eid as people stock up on the latest fashions.
4. Charitable Giving
A key tenant of Eid Al Adha is the act of sacrifice and charity. Many in the Gulf use this time to give back to those in need, whether through donating a portion of their livestock to the poor or making monetary contributions to various causes. This charitable spirit is deeply ingrained in the Eid celebrations across the region.
5. Community Gatherings
Perhaps most importantly, Eid Al Adha is a time for the Gulf community to come together. Family and friends gather for prayers, meals, and quality time. Children play games, teenagers socialize, and elders impart wisdom. These communal celebrations foster a strong sense of unity and belonging that is fundamental to the Eid experience in the Gulf.
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