Baghdad, March 05 (QNA) - The holy month of Ramadan holds great significance in Iraq, blending spirituality with rich heritage. This month offers a genuine opportunity to deepen family bonds and enhance social connections among Iraqis.

One of the prominent features of this heritage is the enduring customs and traditions, particularly in welcoming the holy month, by stocking up on supplies and decorating the streets and squares.

Iraqis have preserved these Ramadan traditions, which have become deeply rooted in society. They encompass various customs and practices that reflect the atmosphere of Ramadan, infused with the Baghdadi heritage.

Among these customs is the Iraqi Iftar table, which includes a variety of dishes such as lentil soup, Shanina (cold yogurt), dates, and famous dishes like Biryani, Maqluba, Kabsa, Qoozi, chicken and Bamieh stew, Dlemiya, Dolma, and different types of Kibbeh, including Halabi, Mosuli, and Burghul. Iraqis exchange these meals with one another, fostering an atmosphere of warmth, compassion, and solidarity among families.

Another prominent Ramadan tradition in Iraq is "Al Mesaharaty," a folkloric character also known as "Abu Al Tabel" in some regions, referring to the drum he carries. Al Mesaharaty roams the streets before dawn, beating his drum to remind people to eat Suhoor before the Fajr prayer, maintaining this practice throughout Ramadan until Eid Al Fitr, when he receives his Eid gift.

Despite technological advancements and the use of alarms and clocks to wake up for Suhoor, Al Mesaharaty retains a special charm for Iraqis with his call, "Suhoor... Suhoor... Suhoor," followed by three drumbeats.

Another popular Iraqi tradition is playing "Al Mheibes" game during Ramadan nights. Known as " Al Mahbas" in some rural areas, it involves a platinum, gold, or silver ring.

Head of the Central Committee affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a champion of Al Mheibes game Jassem Al Aswad mentioned to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Al Mheibes is a traditional game played in Iraqi homes for 300 years. It relies on intuition, with the skilled player observing the eyes, faces, and hand movements of the participants to retrieve the ring from the opponent's hand.

During Ramadan, various volunteer campaigns are organized in Iraq to aid those in need. Charitable and humanitarian work in Baghdad is essential for supporting low-income families and the underprivileged. As Ramadan begins, initiatives by institutions, organizations, and volunteer groups launch charitable contributions known as "Ramadan baskets," distributed throughout the holy month.

Head of Sama Foundation for Orphans Bahira Asaad Ali told QNA that many local organizations organize relief activities, including Ramadan baskets, in different Iraqi provinces to alleviate the burdens on the needy, the underprivileged, and those with limited income. Ramadan is a month of worship, good deeds, and social solidarity.

Donations from volunteers and the well-off have helped distribute thousands of Ramadan baskets in many areas in Baghdad and the provinces, targeting orphans, widows, and the underprivileged. Other initiatives include organizing group Iftar for the elderly and patients in hospitals, students living outside their provinces, and distributing ready meals to needy families.

Adel Al Ardawi, an Iraqi heritage researcher, said that Ramadan is accompanied by customs and traditions that reflect the significance of the holy month. These include preparing various food items and sweets, such as Baklava and Zalabia. Ramadan nights also feature family gatherings for Iftar, prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication, along with storytelling sessions known as "Qasakhon," where the storyteller narrates intriguing tales. These stories often mix reality with fiction, featuring characters like Ali Al Zaibaq, Abu Zaid Al Hilali, and Antarah, with unique stories specific to Iraq, such as those of Abu Jassim and Ibrahim Arab.

He added that among the traditional Ramadan practices in Iraq is the children's custom known as "Majina," called "Kargee'an" in Basra, similar to "Garangao" in the Gulf states. Children aged 10 to 15 form groups, carrying tambourines and chanting "Majina ya Majina... Open the bag and give us," calling out the names of family members if known. The household rewards them with small sums of money, food, sweets, or both, which the children then share among themselves. (QNA)