Traditional markets, cuisines enhance Ramadan mood in Oman

Ramadan is an exciting time in the Sultanate of Oman where families prepare well in advance for the holy month, shoring up food supplies.
As a common custom in Muslim countries, in Oman too, people gather in mosques for evening and Taraweeh prayers. After finishing the prayer, they greet each other on the occasion and visit relatives.
Certain special types of Omani cuisines are cooked at gathering such as soup, donut, alarsia, qemat and more.
In some of the wilayats (governorate) of the Sultanate, particularly in the Governorate of Muscat, children gather in neighbourhood alleys, marking the mid of Ramadan and celebrating what is locally called 'Qaranshaw,' a practice prevalent in several GCC states, but known by different names.
In earlier days, children in villages would go around singing songs and in return, would get sweets and money.
Many traditional markets come up in various wilayats across the Sultanate.
'Habta Market' is an old practice in Oman, which is an open market that witnesses a large turnout of visitors and citizens and is held a few days before Eid.
'Habtat' (plural of Habta) vary in their timing in some of the governorates. Some are held on Ramadan 23 and continue till the end of the month.
The tradition of night callers can also be found in Oman, where 'misaharati' walk around the streets with a lamp and drum, to wake up people for suhoor.
In Oman, Muslims break their fast with coffee and dates followed shortly thereafter by a ritual meal, often shared with family and close friends, of elaborate foods heavy in oils and spices.
Fish salad is a common Iftar dish for Omanis, and with over 1,500 kilometres of coastline, it's a popular food item.
Small Omani pastries with local honey, dates with cinnamon syrup, yoghurt, and fruit juice are some of the other items served during Iftar. (Compiled by Yousuf Saifuddin)