Bahrain Celebrates Eid al-Adha with Tradition and Festivities

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrainis celebrated the first day of Eid al-Adha on Sunday, with the festive spirit overcoming the summer heat. Despite the high temperatures, people turned out in large numbers to participate in Eid prayers held outside mosques. After the prayers, families exchanged greetings and prepared for the traditional Eid lunch, a cornerstone of Bahraini culture and heritage.

Restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas, beaches, and entertainment venues witnessed a surge in visitors. Families flocked to the beaches to celebrate with their children and participate in the traditional "Haya Baya" ritual. This unique practice, observed during Eid al-Adha, involves throwing baskets that have plants and seeds into the sea. The ritual is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to pilgrims returning from Hajj. Some interpret it as a symbolic sacrifice, while others see it as a way for children to participate in the spirit of giving.

Umm Khalid, a Bahraini woman, shared her family's Eid traditions: "On the day before Eid, we dress in traditional attire. The boys wear white thobes and qahfiyas (head coverings), while the girls wear bakhnuqs and apply kohl (eyeliner). Then, the children from our neighborhood gather and head to the beach. As they arrive, they sing traditional songs like 'Haya Baya'. With a single gesture, they throw their baskets into the sea."

The first day of Eid also saw numerous events and performances organised by shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment venues to attract families and children. Many malls hosted children's entertainment programmes with gifts, games, and short comedic plays.

Cinemas experienced a surge in attendance as families and visitors sought entertainment. The release of new films coinciding with Eid led to crowded theaters. A diverse range of movies, including romantic comedies, action-adventure films, horror, and animation, catered to different tastes.

Theater enthusiasts were treated to the first performance of "Inthar Khatea" (False Alarm) on Monday, featuring prominent Bahraini actors.

Mohammed Fadhel, a father of four, said, "This year, due to the many events and activities announced by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, we decided to celebrate Eid in Bahrain instead of traveling abroad. It was the right choice. There are so many activities that make traveling unnecessary. The beaches are the most beautiful and cleanest in the region, and there are programmes and events in all the malls and entertainment venues, catering to every member of the family."

Saud Mohammed, a visitor from a neighboring Gulf country, shared his experience: "Every year, we come to Bahrain to celebrate Eid and spend our vacation. Every year, we see improvements in the events and activities, which is why we make sure to visit the Kingdom for every occasion and opportunity. Celebrating in Bahrain has a special and unique charm. Everything is beautiful here, the atmosphere is fantastic, and you have many options for spending your vacation, whether on the beautiful beaches, in the malls, traditional markets, modern places like Marassi, or even the cinema and the exceptional Bahraini theater."