Friday, June 4, 2010
Senior Travel in Muscat
Senior Travel in Muscat
An old-fashioned Gulf country seeped in traditional, natural beauty, Oman is mostly uncontaminated by tourism, skyscrapers and money. Ruled by a kind Sultan, Quaboos, Oman is the ideal place for senior travelers wanting a little peace and quiet while visiting some of the world’s majestic mountains, stunning beaches, gorgeous sun-dapple deserts and open-minded locals. Here are the top World 66 activities for seniors:
Qurum National Park
Covering more than a million square meters, Qurum National Park features an array of activities for the traveler willing to spend a few hours exploring its hidden treasures. Besides the obvious, such as the large lake, the gorgeous, ornately carved fountain and a fragrant rose garden, you can also find species of rare birds and shrubs. Just take a stroll on one of the park’s marked trails to see the birds, local flora and maybe even wild monkey.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Did you know the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third largest in the world? And it’s open to non-Muslim visitors, a rare occurrence. Hours for non-Muslims are from 8am to 11am daily, except on Fridays. Women are advised to keep their ankles, feet and heads covered with a shawl or scarf. In this gorgeous mosque, you can admire the ancient crystal, Persian carpets and clay and marble walls covered in fine carvings.
Mutrah Souk
Souk means 'marketplace,' and in Oman these shops are as popular as in other Middle Eastern countries. The souks in Muscat vary, but the best one to attend is in the city centre. Here you will find plenty of colorful souvenirs to send back home, from Omani crafts and baskets to clothing, old books and jewelry. You can also enjoy freshly cooked fish and vegetables at one of the many souk stands. A few of these shops take credit cards.
Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace
Situated on the edge of a sparkling blue lake and bordered by the Mirani and Jelali buildings, the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is the workplace of Oman’s ruler, Sultan Qaboos. The beautiful architecture and majestic attitude of the buildings is definitely worth a photograph or two.
Bait Muzna Gallery, Muscat
Muscat’s most famous art gallery, Bait Muzna traditionally displays Omani artwork, paintings and sculptures by local and international artists. Like the world’s best museums, here you can find a variety of exhibitions catering to the diverse tastes of every artist out there. In January 2010, Bait will be showing the collective work of artists Hassan Meer (Oman), Camille Zakharia (Lebanon) and Budoor Al Riyami (Oman), among others. The title of photography piece is called, “Kan Ya Ma Kan”, which means “Once Upon a Time”.
An old-fashioned Gulf country seeped in traditional, natural beauty, Oman is mostly uncontaminated by tourism, skyscrapers and money. Ruled by a kind Sultan, Quaboos, Oman is the ideal place for senior travelers wanting a little peace and quiet while visiting some of the world’s majestic mountains, stunning beaches, gorgeous sun-dapple deserts and open-minded locals. Here are the top World 66 activities for seniors:
Qurum National Park
Covering more than a million square meters, Qurum National Park features an array of activities for the traveler willing to spend a few hours exploring its hidden treasures. Besides the obvious, such as the large lake, the gorgeous, ornately carved fountain and a fragrant rose garden, you can also find species of rare birds and shrubs. Just take a stroll on one of the park’s marked trails to see the birds, local flora and maybe even wild monkey.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Did you know the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third largest in the world? And it’s open to non-Muslim visitors, a rare occurrence. Hours for non-Muslims are from 8am to 11am daily, except on Fridays. Women are advised to keep their ankles, feet and heads covered with a shawl or scarf. In this gorgeous mosque, you can admire the ancient crystal, Persian carpets and clay and marble walls covered in fine carvings.
Mutrah Souk
Souk means 'marketplace,' and in Oman these shops are as popular as in other Middle Eastern countries. The souks in Muscat vary, but the best one to attend is in the city centre. Here you will find plenty of colorful souvenirs to send back home, from Omani crafts and baskets to clothing, old books and jewelry. You can also enjoy freshly cooked fish and vegetables at one of the many souk stands. A few of these shops take credit cards.
Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace
Situated on the edge of a sparkling blue lake and bordered by the Mirani and Jelali buildings, the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is the workplace of Oman’s ruler, Sultan Qaboos. The beautiful architecture and majestic attitude of the buildings is definitely worth a photograph or two.
Bait Muzna Gallery, Muscat
Muscat’s most famous art gallery, Bait Muzna traditionally displays Omani artwork, paintings and sculptures by local and international artists. Like the world’s best museums, here you can find a variety of exhibitions catering to the diverse tastes of every artist out there. In January 2010, Bait will be showing the collective work of artists Hassan Meer (Oman), Camille Zakharia (Lebanon) and Budoor Al Riyami (Oman), among others. The title of photography piece is called, “Kan Ya Ma Kan”, which means “Once Upon a Time”.
Budget Travel Ideas in Muscat
Budget Travel Ideas in Muscat
If you want to visit a place that is a perfect amalgamation of nature, history and development, then Muscat is the place for you. The city has plenty of greens to offer, lovely landscapes and blue ocean to complete the splendor. In spite of the ever growing tourist population, the city remains unaffected and has sustained its originality. If you want to visit this city on a small budget and yet enjoy it to the full, here are some tips to consider prior to visiting the city.
Clothing
For a woman traveler, it would be ideal to wear long and loose modest looking skirts and long-sleeved shirts with a high neck. Both men and women are not allowed to wear revealing outfits. For an intelligent and seasoned traveler, the importance of being a "Roman in Rome" will not be lost, especially while visiting a country like Oman!
What to Do
Not much is known about Oman prior to it becoming an Islamic country. The history says that the country had sources of abundant copper ores as far back as 2,000 B.C. Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is known for its 16th century buildings, sandy seashore and lovely mountain views. The roads are good and are comparable to any European city roads.
Sight seeing can be planned on a budget with the help of local travel agents, who offer competitive rates and take the travelers on a trip to the palace which has a fort on each side from the medieval period, overlooking the sea.
A trip to Muscat would not be complete without visiting the museum Bait Zubair, the magnificent looking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and also the noted conventional Souq (bazaar) in the neighborhood town of Muttrah.
Budget Shopping
Travelers are at liberty to enjoy free-shopping everywhere they go at affordable prices. Even if one bargains hard, the smile on the sales person's face will not fade. Silver trinkets of all kinds are very popular in the local bazaars, which are reasonably priced.
Where to Eat
Standard of food is very good in most of the hotels, like in any developed nation. Though mineral bottled water is available, tap water is also potable, and one can save money here by consuming tap water. Omanis like to eat with their hands, right hand at that, and visitors may experiment eating with their bare hands here.
There are a number of roadside hotels where food is quite cheap, tasty and hygienic. One can taste Indian cuisine, too, in most of these hotels. The Mumtaz Mahal is one such example for tasty Indian food. There are also a number of coffee shops which sell chicken or omelet sandwiches, and also fresh fruit juices at low prices.
Where to Stay
It would be most wise to plan a visit to Muscat from late October to March. Otherwise, the summer months are pretty hot and unbearable. Accommodations will be certainly affordable during the said months and therefore, there would be no need to sacrifice comfort to stay within your budget.
Transportation
There are no rail or subway services here. The “Baiza” bus service is cheap and will take a passenger anywhere. There are taxis, and the rates could be bargained easily. Another option would be to hire a travel agent and settle a package price to cover the entire city.
If you want to visit a place that is a perfect amalgamation of nature, history and development, then Muscat is the place for you. The city has plenty of greens to offer, lovely landscapes and blue ocean to complete the splendor. In spite of the ever growing tourist population, the city remains unaffected and has sustained its originality. If you want to visit this city on a small budget and yet enjoy it to the full, here are some tips to consider prior to visiting the city.
Clothing
For a woman traveler, it would be ideal to wear long and loose modest looking skirts and long-sleeved shirts with a high neck. Both men and women are not allowed to wear revealing outfits. For an intelligent and seasoned traveler, the importance of being a "Roman in Rome" will not be lost, especially while visiting a country like Oman!
What to Do
Not much is known about Oman prior to it becoming an Islamic country. The history says that the country had sources of abundant copper ores as far back as 2,000 B.C. Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is known for its 16th century buildings, sandy seashore and lovely mountain views. The roads are good and are comparable to any European city roads.
Sight seeing can be planned on a budget with the help of local travel agents, who offer competitive rates and take the travelers on a trip to the palace which has a fort on each side from the medieval period, overlooking the sea.
A trip to Muscat would not be complete without visiting the museum Bait Zubair, the magnificent looking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and also the noted conventional Souq (bazaar) in the neighborhood town of Muttrah.
Budget Shopping
Travelers are at liberty to enjoy free-shopping everywhere they go at affordable prices. Even if one bargains hard, the smile on the sales person's face will not fade. Silver trinkets of all kinds are very popular in the local bazaars, which are reasonably priced.
Where to Eat
Standard of food is very good in most of the hotels, like in any developed nation. Though mineral bottled water is available, tap water is also potable, and one can save money here by consuming tap water. Omanis like to eat with their hands, right hand at that, and visitors may experiment eating with their bare hands here.
There are a number of roadside hotels where food is quite cheap, tasty and hygienic. One can taste Indian cuisine, too, in most of these hotels. The Mumtaz Mahal is one such example for tasty Indian food. There are also a number of coffee shops which sell chicken or omelet sandwiches, and also fresh fruit juices at low prices.
Where to Stay
It would be most wise to plan a visit to Muscat from late October to March. Otherwise, the summer months are pretty hot and unbearable. Accommodations will be certainly affordable during the said months and therefore, there would be no need to sacrifice comfort to stay within your budget.
Transportation
There are no rail or subway services here. The “Baiza” bus service is cheap and will take a passenger anywhere. There are taxis, and the rates could be bargained easily. Another option would be to hire a travel agent and settle a package price to cover the entire city.
7 Day Itinerary in Muscat
7 Day Itinerary in Muscat
Muscat is a charming Middle East city that boasts of several attractions and things to do owing to its confluence of conventional and modern tourist destinations .Here is a well-planned 7 day itinerary to make the most of this striking desert region.
Day 1- City Tour of the Grand Monuments
Muscat has several historical and religious monuments that offer interesting accounts of the city’s cultural profile. Start with the mammoth palace, old Mutrah Fort and watch-towers along the strip of Mutrah Corniche. There are also old street side homes and stately buildings adorning the old quarter of Muscat. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque housed in the main town center to experience the magnificence of Omani architecture.
Day 2- Ras Al Hadd
This government-run tourist hotspot is a great place to catch some rare turtles in the midst of a pretty park and a tiny campsite. Expert Omani guides will take you through enjoyable sessions of watching the turtles hatching or laying their eggs on the adjoining beach. Entry is $5 per person.
Day 3- Flea Market Shopping
Shop for shawls, gold jewelry, carpets, local fabric, perfumes and more at the Muttrah Souk, one of the most well-known flea markets in the city. Visitors can haggle to bag inexpensive deals and pick from an array of choices.
Day 4-Shangrila Bar Al Jissah
Located a few kilometers away from the Muscat town center, the Shangrila Bar Al Jissah is a serene getaway surrounded by lush mountains. The hotel has a well-equipped marine sports center and several restaurants along with an entertainment center for a heady romantic holiday.
Day 5- Oman Museum
Visit the Oman Museum that houses an interesting collection of memorabilia relating to the history and Islamic culture of Oman. There are several artifacts and Arabic scriptures that offer a fascinating insight of Muscat’s cultural trivia.
Day 6- Desert Camp
Book for an overnight desert camp with one of the several camp organizers around the city. The Camps are complete with generous buffet dinners, belly dancing, camp fire and singing sessions. Sleep outside the camping tent for a stunning view of Muscat’s night sky.
Day 7- Bait Al Zubair
Visit the Bait Al Zubai center that showcases several intriguing exhibits and snippets from Oman’s culture including some interesting tidbits relating to the visit of Prince Charles and John Major.
Muscat’s fusionist spirit creates umpteen opportunities for places to see and things to do and a well-chalked out itinerary can help visitors crack the mystery of the city within a few days.
Muscat is a charming Middle East city that boasts of several attractions and things to do owing to its confluence of conventional and modern tourist destinations .Here is a well-planned 7 day itinerary to make the most of this striking desert region.
Day 1- City Tour of the Grand Monuments
Muscat has several historical and religious monuments that offer interesting accounts of the city’s cultural profile. Start with the mammoth palace, old Mutrah Fort and watch-towers along the strip of Mutrah Corniche. There are also old street side homes and stately buildings adorning the old quarter of Muscat. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque housed in the main town center to experience the magnificence of Omani architecture.
Day 2- Ras Al Hadd
This government-run tourist hotspot is a great place to catch some rare turtles in the midst of a pretty park and a tiny campsite. Expert Omani guides will take you through enjoyable sessions of watching the turtles hatching or laying their eggs on the adjoining beach. Entry is $5 per person.
Day 3- Flea Market Shopping
Shop for shawls, gold jewelry, carpets, local fabric, perfumes and more at the Muttrah Souk, one of the most well-known flea markets in the city. Visitors can haggle to bag inexpensive deals and pick from an array of choices.
Day 4-Shangrila Bar Al Jissah
Located a few kilometers away from the Muscat town center, the Shangrila Bar Al Jissah is a serene getaway surrounded by lush mountains. The hotel has a well-equipped marine sports center and several restaurants along with an entertainment center for a heady romantic holiday.
Day 5- Oman Museum
Visit the Oman Museum that houses an interesting collection of memorabilia relating to the history and Islamic culture of Oman. There are several artifacts and Arabic scriptures that offer a fascinating insight of Muscat’s cultural trivia.
Day 6- Desert Camp
Book for an overnight desert camp with one of the several camp organizers around the city. The Camps are complete with generous buffet dinners, belly dancing, camp fire and singing sessions. Sleep outside the camping tent for a stunning view of Muscat’s night sky.
Day 7- Bait Al Zubair
Visit the Bait Al Zubai center that showcases several intriguing exhibits and snippets from Oman’s culture including some interesting tidbits relating to the visit of Prince Charles and John Major.
Muscat’s fusionist spirit creates umpteen opportunities for places to see and things to do and a well-chalked out itinerary can help visitors crack the mystery of the city within a few days.
Things to do in Muscat
Things to do in Muscat
Muscat is a pleasant desert city split between a traditional and contemporary identity and boasts of several historical forts, quaint flea markets and old mosques along with chic shopping malls and adventure-packed desert safaris. Here is a guide to explore the versatile beauty of this Middle East tourist hotspot.
Go on an Overnight Desert Camp
One of the best ways to enjoy the adventurous and jagged desert appeal of the region is to go for an overnight stay at the Al Areesh Camp. Visitors can enjoy fun-filled evenings with a lavish buffet spread and campfire along with Bedouin singing and belly dancing sessions. The experience of sleeping under the clear night sky with millions of luminous stars is simply superb. Visitors should try and schedule their visit during the camel race festival that is held in the vicinity. Travelers can book for a desert drive to get a more close and personal view of the rough terrains of Muscat.
Shop at the Flea Markets
Few activities in Muscat beat the pleasure of shopping at local street-side flea markets that are reminiscent of the old bazaars of an Arabian Nights tale. The best place to go street shopping is Muttrah Souk, located in the heart of Muscat in the Muttrah neighborhood. Buy inexpensive Omani silverware along with exquisite pashmina shawls, local jewelry and fine hand-woven carpets. Chat up with the friendly merchants to get more information on the city and don’t forget to bargain as prices quoted are always 2-4 times higher than the original price.
Take a Sunset Walk at Corniche
Take a walk at sunset around the beautiful Corniche area to view Old Muscat adorned by its heritage palace and stunningly lit watch towers. The impressive palace along with its well-manicured gardens is a nice place for an aimless stroll. The old streets and traditional houses on the strip down from the palace are also worth viewing. Visitors without vehicles should try and wrap up the walk early as hailing a cab from here is a bit difficult post sunset.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Oman and is replete with stately pillars and minarets that play a fitting tribute to the art, culture and religion of the country. The prayer room with its embellishments and religious symbols provides a naturally spiritual experience. The mosque is open to the public from 8am to 11am on all days except Thursday and Friday. Children below ten are generally not allowed but if visitors can assure authorities of their child’s good behavior, they are permitted to go.
Muscat’s eclectic appeal and diverse spirit paves way for several things to do and insights to gain in this hospitable Middle East city.
Muscat is a pleasant desert city split between a traditional and contemporary identity and boasts of several historical forts, quaint flea markets and old mosques along with chic shopping malls and adventure-packed desert safaris. Here is a guide to explore the versatile beauty of this Middle East tourist hotspot.
Go on an Overnight Desert Camp
One of the best ways to enjoy the adventurous and jagged desert appeal of the region is to go for an overnight stay at the Al Areesh Camp. Visitors can enjoy fun-filled evenings with a lavish buffet spread and campfire along with Bedouin singing and belly dancing sessions. The experience of sleeping under the clear night sky with millions of luminous stars is simply superb. Visitors should try and schedule their visit during the camel race festival that is held in the vicinity. Travelers can book for a desert drive to get a more close and personal view of the rough terrains of Muscat.
Shop at the Flea Markets
Few activities in Muscat beat the pleasure of shopping at local street-side flea markets that are reminiscent of the old bazaars of an Arabian Nights tale. The best place to go street shopping is Muttrah Souk, located in the heart of Muscat in the Muttrah neighborhood. Buy inexpensive Omani silverware along with exquisite pashmina shawls, local jewelry and fine hand-woven carpets. Chat up with the friendly merchants to get more information on the city and don’t forget to bargain as prices quoted are always 2-4 times higher than the original price.
Take a Sunset Walk at Corniche
Take a walk at sunset around the beautiful Corniche area to view Old Muscat adorned by its heritage palace and stunningly lit watch towers. The impressive palace along with its well-manicured gardens is a nice place for an aimless stroll. The old streets and traditional houses on the strip down from the palace are also worth viewing. Visitors without vehicles should try and wrap up the walk early as hailing a cab from here is a bit difficult post sunset.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Oman and is replete with stately pillars and minarets that play a fitting tribute to the art, culture and religion of the country. The prayer room with its embellishments and religious symbols provides a naturally spiritual experience. The mosque is open to the public from 8am to 11am on all days except Thursday and Friday. Children below ten are generally not allowed but if visitors can assure authorities of their child’s good behavior, they are permitted to go.
Muscat’s eclectic appeal and diverse spirit paves way for several things to do and insights to gain in this hospitable Middle East city.
Festivals in Muscat
All Muscat Festivals are observed in accordance with the Islamic calendar because Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city predominated by Muslims. The popular festivals in Muscat include the following:
The Muscat Festival
The most celebrated event in Muscat is the Muscat Festival. Since its inception in 1998, this festival provides a month-long recreation to the people of Muscat. This festival which features the Omani cultural heritage is a medley of fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment. Traditional Omani folk songs and dance accompanied by artistic and intellectual exhibitions make this festival a colorful event. Children are very fond of this festival as it gives them an occasion to indulge in theaters, plays, entertaining shows and competition. A large number of tourists from all over the world visit Muscat to experience this cultural extravangaza.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year takes place on the first day of the month of Muharram. Since Islamic calendar is based on the revolutions of the Moon, the days in Islamic year are only 354 days, 12 days less than the solar year. Muharram, being a month of sorrow for Muslims, people in Muscat spend the day offering prayers in Mosques or reading and listening to the sacred words from Koran. Alcohol consumption and entertaining shows for public remain forbidden in Muscat on this day.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is observed by commemorating the prophet Abraham’s sacrifice of his own son Ishmael in the name of God. On this occasion Muslims from all over the world scarifice a lamb or cow and then distribute its meat among friends and relatives. Some people even set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca in order to celebrate this festival.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims when they fast without water from sunrise to sunset. In this month, they take a meal once before sunrise known as suhoor and one after sunset known as iftar. During iftar they take heavy meals comprising of home cooked delicacies. All the family members come together to celebrate the occasion. There remains a ban on alcohols in Muscat all through this month. Most of the shops and restaurants remain closed during the day. Even drinking water in public during the day is fined.
Eid Al Fitr
The month of Ramadan ends with Eid Al Fitr when Muslims in Muscat visit friends and family and have delicious meals cooked specifically for the purpose.
Contributors
February 24, 2010 change by ashmita
The Muscat Festival
The most celebrated event in Muscat is the Muscat Festival. Since its inception in 1998, this festival provides a month-long recreation to the people of Muscat. This festival which features the Omani cultural heritage is a medley of fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment. Traditional Omani folk songs and dance accompanied by artistic and intellectual exhibitions make this festival a colorful event. Children are very fond of this festival as it gives them an occasion to indulge in theaters, plays, entertaining shows and competition. A large number of tourists from all over the world visit Muscat to experience this cultural extravangaza.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year takes place on the first day of the month of Muharram. Since Islamic calendar is based on the revolutions of the Moon, the days in Islamic year are only 354 days, 12 days less than the solar year. Muharram, being a month of sorrow for Muslims, people in Muscat spend the day offering prayers in Mosques or reading and listening to the sacred words from Koran. Alcohol consumption and entertaining shows for public remain forbidden in Muscat on this day.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is observed by commemorating the prophet Abraham’s sacrifice of his own son Ishmael in the name of God. On this occasion Muslims from all over the world scarifice a lamb or cow and then distribute its meat among friends and relatives. Some people even set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca in order to celebrate this festival.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims when they fast without water from sunrise to sunset. In this month, they take a meal once before sunrise known as suhoor and one after sunset known as iftar. During iftar they take heavy meals comprising of home cooked delicacies. All the family members come together to celebrate the occasion. There remains a ban on alcohols in Muscat all through this month. Most of the shops and restaurants remain closed during the day. Even drinking water in public during the day is fined.
Eid Al Fitr
The month of Ramadan ends with Eid Al Fitr when Muslims in Muscat visit friends and family and have delicious meals cooked specifically for the purpose.
Contributors
February 24, 2010 change by ashmita
Festivals in Muscat
All Muscat Festivals are observed in accordance with the Islamic calendar because Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city predominated by Muslims. The popular festivals in Muscat include the following:
The Muscat Festival
The most celebrated event in Muscat is the Muscat Festival. Since its inception in 1998, this festival provides a month-long recreation to the people of Muscat. This festival which features the Omani cultural heritage is a medley of fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment. Traditional Omani folk songs and dance accompanied by artistic and intellectual exhibitions make this festival a colorful event. Children are very fond of this festival as it gives them an occasion to indulge in theaters, plays, entertaining shows and competition. A large number of tourists from all over the world visit Muscat to experience this cultural extravangaza.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year takes place on the first day of the month of Muharram. Since Islamic calendar is based on the revolutions of the Moon, the days in Islamic year are only 354 days, 12 days less than the solar year. Muharram, being a month of sorrow for Muslims, people in Muscat spend the day offering prayers in Mosques or reading and listening to the sacred words from Koran. Alcohol consumption and entertaining shows for public remain forbidden in Muscat on this day.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is observed by commemorating the prophet Abraham’s sacrifice of his own son Ishmael in the name of God. On this occasion Muslims from all over the world scarifice a lamb or cow and then distribute its meat among friends and relatives. Some people even set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca in order to celebrate this festival.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims when they fast without water from sunrise to sunset. In this month, they take a meal once before sunrise known as suhoor and one after sunset known as iftar. During iftar they take heavy meals comprising of home cooked delicacies. All the family members come together to celebrate the occasion. There remains a ban on alcohols in Muscat all through this month. Most of the shops and restaurants remain closed during the day. Even drinking water in public during the day is fined.
Eid Al Fitr
The month of Ramadan ends with Eid Al Fitr when Muslims in Muscat visit friends and family and have delicious meals cooked specifically for the purpose.
Contributors
February 24, 2010 change by ashmita
The Muscat Festival
The most celebrated event in Muscat is the Muscat Festival. Since its inception in 1998, this festival provides a month-long recreation to the people of Muscat. This festival which features the Omani cultural heritage is a medley of fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment. Traditional Omani folk songs and dance accompanied by artistic and intellectual exhibitions make this festival a colorful event. Children are very fond of this festival as it gives them an occasion to indulge in theaters, plays, entertaining shows and competition. A large number of tourists from all over the world visit Muscat to experience this cultural extravangaza.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year takes place on the first day of the month of Muharram. Since Islamic calendar is based on the revolutions of the Moon, the days in Islamic year are only 354 days, 12 days less than the solar year. Muharram, being a month of sorrow for Muslims, people in Muscat spend the day offering prayers in Mosques or reading and listening to the sacred words from Koran. Alcohol consumption and entertaining shows for public remain forbidden in Muscat on this day.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is observed by commemorating the prophet Abraham’s sacrifice of his own son Ishmael in the name of God. On this occasion Muslims from all over the world scarifice a lamb or cow and then distribute its meat among friends and relatives. Some people even set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca in order to celebrate this festival.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims when they fast without water from sunrise to sunset. In this month, they take a meal once before sunrise known as suhoor and one after sunset known as iftar. During iftar they take heavy meals comprising of home cooked delicacies. All the family members come together to celebrate the occasion. There remains a ban on alcohols in Muscat all through this month. Most of the shops and restaurants remain closed during the day. Even drinking water in public during the day is fined.
Eid Al Fitr
The month of Ramadan ends with Eid Al Fitr when Muslims in Muscat visit friends and family and have delicious meals cooked specifically for the purpose.
Contributors
February 24, 2010 change by ashmita
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