The spirit of Ramadan is being brought alive by the works of 15 talented Bahraini artists as a colourful art exhibition opens today celebrating the rich traditions and cherished customs of the holy month.
Through a vibrant collection of mostly oil and acrylic paintings, the showcase works highlight the importance of family, food and faith at the Abaad Gallery in A’ali.
Gallery owner and participating artist Abdulshaheed Khamdan told the GDN he believes these types of exhibitions are important for sharing cultural traditions and keeping them alive through artwork.
Mr Khamdan
“This exhibition highlights a variety of Ramadan traditions, from mothers preparing food in the kitchen to families gathering for iftar and enjoying tea together,” said Mr Khamdan, who was born in Manama in 1952. “The exhibition brings artists together to celebrate and document cultural traditions through their beautiful artwork.”
A mother preparing food
Ramadan is a sacred period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline and devotion. By fasting from dawn to sunset – one of the five pillars of Islam – Muslims cultivate compassion for the less fortunate.”
The month emphasises prayer, Quranic recitation, charitable endeavours and a deeper, more intentional connection with God.
“This exhibition was first held three years ago and we decided to bring it back this year,” Mr Khamdan added. “I hope everyone who attends enjoys the wide range of artwork on display.”
The exhibition features scenes of mosques, traditional music and instruments, individuals reading the Quran and people enjoying traditional treats and dishes.
Painting of mosque
In Bahrain, the Ramadan table is often filled with beloved soul-warming dishes that bring families together after Maghrib prayers.
Among the most popular are Thareed, a shredded flatbread soaked in rich meat and vegetable stew, Harees, samboosas, Bahraini kebabs and Luqaimat, sweet fried dough balls drenched in syrup.
Artist Salah Sayed, who is participating in the exhibition, painted a nostalgic scene from Ramadan in earlier times, when neighbours would gather in anticipation of the Eid announcement.
The 63-year-old from Manama, is well known in Bahrain for shining a bright light on the kingdom’s historic villages, architecture and culture.
Drawing on his childhood memories, he paints how the towns once looked and contrasts them with their modern-day appearance.
“On the final night of Ramadan, those who had sighted the crescent moon would make their way to Masjid Mu’min in Manama, specifically in the Fareeq Al Mukharga, to give their testimony,” Mr Sayed told the GDN. “In the mosque courtyard, residents would assemble with hearts full of hope and excitement, waiting for the confirmation of the Eid crescent.
“It was a moment filled with both reverence and joy – as the voices of the witnesses blended with the anticipation of the crowd,” he added.
He noted that the painting reflects the simplicity of earlier times and the strong community bonds.
“It beautifully preserves a cherished era, when the announcement of Eid was a shared and heartfelt experience that brought people together even before the celebrations began,” he said.
The exhibition officially opens tonight at 8.30pm at the Abaad Gallery. While the closing date has not been confirmed, it is expected to run for up to 10 days.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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