Scores of children sparkled in their traditional attire at Qal’at Bu Maher yesterday as they sang folksy hymns and threw baskets of plants into the sea as part of an age-old ritual that teaches nurturing and patience.
The Hiya Biya event, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), featured a cultural storytelling session led by Baba Yaseen, who shared symbolic tales rooted in folk identity and Bahrain’s enduring connection to the sea and natural environment.
A coastal walk along the historic site was accompanied by a traditional folk band, whose chants and songs echoed along the shoreline, recreating scenes from Bahrain’s heritage and offering families an immersive cultural experience.
Marking the end of the annual pilgrimage season in Mecca and the Eid Al Adha festivities, children sang a traditional song before gently casting a small plant into the sea, waving it goodbye and at the same time wishing to go to Haj one day. The seedling is placed in a woven basket made from palm tree leaves, usually the seeds of fast-growing plants, like radishes and beans, which fish feed on once thrown into the sea.
&uuid=(email))