Heya Beya

It is a tradition that rests in the hearts of the locals and is unique to the Land of Pearls. A basket, made up of palm leaves is used to plant grass, termed as ‘Heya Beya’, by children a few days ahead of Eid al Adha.

Various households have already begun practising the custom, in which the young ones will water and nurture the plant, only to cast it away in the open waters on Eid day. This practice mirrors Eid al Adha’s significance which was the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son “Ishameal” as an act of submitting to God’s command (Who intervened at the last moment to provide Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead).

A century-old tradition has been kept rooted strongly so that children can learn the first lesson of sacrifice as it is an endearing moment to see how they watch over their plants and then set them in the water.

The customary act, believed to be dated back to the Dilmun era, has gained popularity since then, as many families and visitors also buy Heya Beyas, sold in markets and stalls, to participate in the rich tradition where families go to the seaside at sunset, chanting heya beya carols while casting the baskets of grass away.