Patriotic fervour has gripped the kingdom’s traditional Old Manama Suq as Bahrain gears up to celebrate its 52nd National Day.
The nation marks the establishment of the modern Bahraini kingdom as an Arab and Muslim state, founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, and the anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad’s Accession to the Throne, tomorrow and on Sunday.
Traditional Bahraini dresses
Streets and landmarks are lit up and shining bright in the red and white colours of Bahrain’s flag.
“National Day is a very important day – not only for Bahrainis – but also for tourists who visit the suq on the occasion as well,” Manama Old Suq Committee vice-chairman Mahmoud Al Namlaity told the GDN.
The aim behind the suq’s traditional celebrations, he said, is to introduce new people to the suq and revel in Bahrain’s rich heritage and culture.
Children’s National Day dresses
“We see many Germans, Americans, and GCC residents coming to the suq every year to celebrate Bahrain’s National Day – so it’s important to introduce tourists to our culture and traditions.”
He added that traditional Bahraini scarfs and flags will be handed out to residents and citizens at the suq.
“We also prepare flags from Kuwait and other countries to hand out in addition to the Bahraini flags,” he said, adding that shopkeepers will play traditional music throughout the suq to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, textile and fabric suppliers, gold shops and tailors are hard at work with their endless stockpile of patriotic merchandise – ready for the preparations and big day.
While exploring Bahrain’s vibrant suq – filled with Bahraini flags and traditional items – the GDN spoke to Pakistani jeweller Jehangir Babar who had his best jewellery sets on display for purchase.
Mr Babar and shopkeeper Ahmed Javed
“Many citizens and GCC residents come to the suq to buy Bahrain’s luxurious gold for National Day,” he said, adding that jewellery sets with a necklace and earrings are among the most popular choice for the day. He also said that most of the jewellery in his shop is hand-made.
“Bahraini gold is recognised all over the world, and is known for its hallmarking, which inclines customers to feel secure when purchasing it,” he said.
Hallmarks are a mark on gold jewellery which is recognised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to assure its fineness and purity.
Bangladeshi tailor Mohammed Dulal said that he has been designing and sewing traditional Bahraini dresses for months in preparation for National Day to ensure he has enough stock for the National Day season.
Mr Dulal showing the dresses he made
He added that prices for the dresses range from BD5 to BD40, depending on materials and details of the dress.
“Many women request the colours red and white for their National Day dress, to resemble the Bahraini flag,” he said, adding that the demand has been high so far this year.
Indian director of a fabric and textile store Kunal Kewalram also admitted that red and white were amongst the popular picks for colours of fabrics this season.
“Locals usually buy their fabric from us or other fabric stores to get them made into the Bahraini flag,” he said.
“We see a vibrant atmosphere here as everyone gears up to celebrate and get their last-minute shopping in.”
&uuid=(email))