Asir keeps its traditions alive

ABHA: People removing time to meet relatives, children wearing attractive and traditional dresses and ready to receive gifts, special meat dishes and bread on offer at homes. These are some of the highlights of Eid Al-Fitr in Asir, which has not forgotten its traditions and customs.
Saeed Al-Asiri says Eid is a great occasion and a big chance to visit relatives and loved ones and strengthen relations among family members and society.
Mohammed Al-Qahatani, another resident, said: “People fire gunshots in the air early morning on Eid day and give Zakat Al-Fitr before the Eid prayer. All people shake hands with each other and end their differences. The spirit of harmony and love spreads to all the houses of the village and between families.”
According to Misfer Al-Hadi, the custom of visiting parents, neighbors and friends is changing slowly because of the availability of Internet and SMS to exchange Eid greetings. "Modern technology is threatening the social customs of the region to express the feelings of Eid’s joy. However, the custom of greeting and visiting relatives is fortunately still alive."
Saed Al-Omari said: “We still meet friends, relatives and elderly people during Eid days. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our grandparents through traditions, ceremony feast and traditional food.”
Eid is a special occasion for children to wear new clothes, visit parks and receive gifts. The festival revives traditional concerts and folk dances that are famous in Asir.
People in the region prepare Haneeth meals of goat and lamb meats with Al-Ber, a kind of bread.