‘Katara Mesahar’ brings Ramadan traditions alive

Featuring one of the oldest of Ramadan traditions, the ‘Katara Mesahar’ began prowling the alleys and streets of the Cultural Village, wearing uniform and beating his drum and chanting verses to alert people to have Suhoor (meal eaten early morning before beginning the fast).

Katara visitors welcomed Al Mesahar with joy as many remembered the old days when Al Mesahar used to move around local alleys and neighbourhoods banging his drum to wake people up as he sang local spiritual Ramadan songs for nearly two hours before dawn.

The ‘Katara Mesahar’ arrived at 10pm, under Ramadan Crescent which plated the Cultural Village districts with its pure silver lights.

Several children and puppets escorted Mesahar as he sang popular verses from the old days, such as ‘Ohh sleeping one, arise, wake up and be monotheistic to the one God’.

The Cultural Village also echoed other lyrics and songs by the Mesahar praising the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan in a peaceful and charming spiritual and traditional atmosphere.

Visitors expressed happiness over attending true Ramadan — evening activities including the Mesahar show — and said that with technology taking over modern-day life, the deep-rooted Ramadan tradition is on the decline and that television, mobiles and alarm clocks are fast replacing the job a Mesahar did.

Ramadan brings to light several traditions of Islamic nations. Traditions and religious customs are plenty in Islam, but the Mesahar will always be special to all.

Courtesy: thepeninsulaqatar.com