MAKKAH: Social gatherings are one of the main features of Eid Al-Fitr. But in the holy city of Makkah there is a special Eid event known as the barzat, which is organized by umdahs (district chiefs). The barzat features folkloric dances, sports competitions and poetry recitations.
Mahmoud Baitar, the umdah of Makkah’s Hejla district, spoke about the barzat, an old tradition city residents inherited from their forefathers. These events are usually held near the umdah’s office with special places reserved for the old-timers to sit.
“It gives an opportunity for people in the district to exchange friendly banter,” he said.
Barzat gatherings are held on the first three days of Eid Al-Fitr.They begin after Maghreb prayer and continue until midnight. “I have been holding these events for the past 15 years, ever since I became the district chief of Hejla,” Baitar told Arab News. “We make preparations for the barzat in the last days of Ramadan, collecting money from the public.”
Guests are offered dinner, juice and Arabic coffee.
“These gatherings play a big role in establishing better relations among the residents of the district, and resolving conflicts,” the umdah said. “For example, there were two residents who used to quarrel with each other throughout the year. There were many attempts to reconcile them, but all were in vain. During the barzat this year I was able to reconcile their differences with the help of other members of the district. This is a big achievement.”
Baitar said some residents who left the district as a result of the ongoing Haram expansion and other construction projects attended this year’s barzat.
“This shows people value its significant role in strengthening social bonds,” Baitar said, adding that many foreign pilgrims, especially Arabs, also take part in such gatherings in order to learn more about Makkah’s culture and heritage.
“In old days, people used to make intense preparations for Eid during the last 10 days of Ramadan,” said the district chief. “Housewives clean furniture and curtains. A variety of popular cultural and sports programs are held along with a public dinner.”
People gather around the barzat to enjoy the shows and other activities. All the performers are people from the neighborhood.
Kings and princes were known to attend Makkah’s local barzat celebrations, often giving out money or favors in keeping with the spirit of Ramadan charity and the concept of diwan, the Saudi tribal tradition of powerful leaders (kings, princes, chiefs) receiving the public to personally address individual grievances or appeals for help. During Eid, these favors usually involve kings or high-level princes giving funds for community projects rather than addressing individual needs directly.
Locals work hard to organize the best barzat if they expect to be receiving a member of royalty, hoping that a reward will be given that would help the district and its residents.
“In those days kings and princes used to attend barzat events, too,” said Baitar. “King Saud, King Faisal and King Khaled visited Makkah districts in order to extend Eid greetings to the public. Receiving an award from the king is a great honor and it is talked about throughout the year.”
He also spoke about the commendable role of district chiefs.
“Umdahs in the past used to supply the needs of people in their jurisdictions, either directly or through their children or wives.”
The umdahs, he said, are careful to help individual families privately so as to avoid public scrutiny for their needs and to keep private the charity needs of local families. “They do it secretly without hurting the feelings of these beneficiaries,” he said.
