Salalah: Following the conclusion of the Khareef Dhofar season, camel herders transport their livestock to wadis that are typically closed during this period.
During these journeys, both the elderly and the youth engage in the practice of singing various folk songs. The spectacle of camels ascending the hills is a longstanding annual event known as Camel Khatlah. This event is not only a social gathering but also a celebration of cultural heritage, cherished by both camel owners and herders, which occurs during the Sarb (Spring Season).
The camels are relocated from the flatlands to the grazing areas surrounding the mountains.
It is customary for local men and the elderly to convene to determine the date for the Camel Khatlah. During this annual event, camel owners welcome guests from various locales, as well as from beyond the Dhofar Governorate, who have come together to partake in this cherished tradition.
A camel owner mentioned that at the onset of the khareef season, efforts are made to select areas that have been least impacted by grazing, followed by the initiation of the Camel Khatlah to maintain a balance.
As the Sarb Season commences, camel owners ensure that the mountain areas are adequately dry to facilitate the commencement of the festival, as elaborated by the individual.
Regarding the traditions and customs associated with the Camel Khatlah, a camel owner noted that camel herders adhere to specific social norms and traditions. These include ensuring the land at the grazing locations is dry after the preservation of plantations, which is a prerequisite for the continuation of the Camel Khatlah.
This tradition not only reflects the deep-seated cultural heritage but also narrates the experiences of the elders, particularly the grandfathers, and the intricate relationship between humans and the land across the various seasons of the year in Oman.
