Atithi devo bhava is alive in Oman

When septuagenarian Ibji Ashar is talking, it is difficult to make out that he is not from Kutch but from Suwayq, a small town near Muscat (capital of Oman). Ashar’s ancestors left the shores of Gujarat many years back and settled in Suwayq where they started a small business.The Ashars have lived in the Oman town for 11 generations. But they have kept Gujarati traditions alive even in that alien land, be it in the use of language, style of dress or in cherished values.Ibjibhai’s son, Navinbhai, is the 11th generation of the family to be still doing business in Suwayq. Ibjibhai and his son were in Ahmedabad last week to receive an award at the 4th Vishwa Gujarati Parishad organised by the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj. They were given the award in recognition of their contribution to the welfare of Gujarati and Indian community in Oman.The Ashers, who own a house in Suwayq, are famous for their hospitality. They welcome visitors from Gujarat and India and are keen to be their hosts.“Visitors from India say we have kept alive the tradition of Athithi Devo Bhava,” Navinbhai said. “We make sure that visitors from Gujarat, including our distant relatives, stay at our house in Suwayq.” He said his ancestors had migrated to Oman from Kutch 300 years back. “They first opened a small Kirana store in Suwayq,” he said.