Bahla – Dakhliyah hosted a grand equestrian festival in Bahla on Friday to celebrate the 54th National Day and to pay tribute to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The festivities commenced with a march flagged off at Jabreen Castle, passing through Saih al Shamikhat and culminating at the equestrian field. Over 1,000 participants representing various sports, social and adventure groups from across Oman proudly carried the national flag in a show of national pride and patriotism.
The highlight of the event was an equestrian show, organised by Bahla Equestrian Society and supervised by Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation. More than 120 horsemen dazzled the audience with horseback stunts, tent pegging, archery and hurdle jumping.
Adding to the cultural grandeur, folk troupes from Bahla performed traditional Omani Al Razha, a celebrated and enduring tradition. While Al Razha refers primarily to a sword dance, the performance incorporates elements of dance, drums, clapping and rowing.
“Al Razha has become a beautiful combination of poetry, singing and swordplay,” said one participant. “Performed mainly by men, these dances and sword fights are deeply rooted in Oman’s cultural legacy. They narrate stories unique to each wilayat and are performed during important occasions such as weddings and Eid celebrations.”
On the sidelines, an exhibition showcased the region’s rich craftsmanship, small and medium enterprises, and productive families. Displays featured Bahla’s renowned handicrafts, traditional sweets, pottery, weaving and homemade products, underscoring the region’s artistic traditions.
The celebration climaxed with a breathtaking performance by Muscat Paragliding Team. Carrying Omani flags and portraits of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, paragliders put on an exhilarating aerial show captivating the audience.
