Local harvest traditions: A journey through Asia, Middle East and Africa

Sacred rice fields of Sri Lanka

When to visit: November (Main Harvest)

In the heart of Sri Lanka, the rice harvest represents far more than mere agricultural practice, but it is a sacred tradition that weaves through the fabric of daily life. Two distinct seasons, Maha (main) and Yala (lesser), mark nature's rhythm, each beginning with sacred ceremonies as Buddhist monks offer blessings while dawn mist embraces the golden paddies.

Traditional harvesting methods, passed down through generations, fill the air with songs of celebration as communities gather to honour this life-sustaining grain. From the initial blessing ceremonies performed at dawn to the joyous communal feasts that follow, each step in the harvest process reflects centuries of cultural wisdom and spiritual significance.

Where to stay: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, guests can immerse themselves in the traditional Harvesting Ceremony. The experience begins with monks' blessings at dawn, followed by hands-on participation in ancient harvesting methods alongside local gardeners. The celebration culminates in an authentic 'ambula' feast featuring traditional Sri Lankan dishes. True to the spirit of community, the entire yield – approximately 450 kilograms of rice – is donated to local schools, temples and families in need.

Mountain olives of Oman's Green Mountains

When to visit: August-September

High up on Jebel Akhdar, or the Green Mountains of Oman, as part of the Hajar Mountains, 2,000 metres above sea level, families tend to olive groves that tell stories of Arabian agricultural heritage. These mountain slopes, blessed with a unique Mediterranean-style climate, have witnessed generations of harvest seasons, where traditional methods yield some of the region's most exceptional olive oil creating a thriving industry.

The story began with a royal gift from the former King of Spain, whose olive saplings found an unexpected yet perfect home in these elevated gardens. The same climate that nurtures these olives also supports flourishing terraced orchards, where roses bloom alongside apricots and pomegranates, creating a diverse agricultural tapestry unique to this mountain region.

Where to stay: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, where the mountain's unique Mediterranean microclimate nurtures exceptional olive groves. Guests can join local farmers in their harvest traditions, learning time-honoured cultivation methods passed down through generations.The experience extends from tree to table – observe traditional pressing techniques, witness the meticulous transformation from fruit to oil, and discover live demonstrations by guest chefs. The resort's Local Insider provides intimate insights into the region's rich farming heritage, offering a deeper connection to this remarkable local harvest traditions.

Ancient date traditions of Abu Dhabi

The date palm stands as an enduring symbol of sustenance and versatility in Middle Eastern culture. Mentioned in the Holy Quran and believed to be Prophet Mohammed's favourite food and has been a cornerstone of Arabian civilisation for millennia, serving as a vital source of nutrition in the harsh desert climate. Their exceptional natural preservation qualities allowed them to be stored for extended periods after harvest and providing essential nutrients and energy in challenging times when other food sources are scarce earned them the nickname 'bread of the desert'.

The date palm's significance also extends far beyond its fruit. Every part of this remarkable tree serves a purpose in traditional Arab culture. The sturdy palm leaves are skilfully woven into mats, fans and baskets, while the trunk provides reliable building material. Modern innovations have found even more uses – from date palm oil in cosmetics to biofuel production, and even the seeds are repurposed as nutrient-rich feed for livestock.

When to visit: June-October

Where to stay: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, home to 450 flourishing date palms. During the summer months, skilled harvesters climb these majestic palms, continuing practices that have sustained desert communities for millennia. Guests can participate in guided tours of the local harvest, learning the art of date picking while tasting freshly harvested fruit.

The sacred yam traditions of Ghana

When to visit: August-September

In Ghana's Volta Region, the Asogli Yam Festival – known locally as 'Te Za' – presents one of Africa's most compelling harvest celebrations. This vibrant cultural spectacle, presided over by the paramount chief King Togbe Afede XIV, offers a glimpse into centuries-old traditions that bind communities together.

The festival's origins speak to human ingenuity in the face of adversity. Local legend tells of an ingenious hunter who, during times of famine, discovered the crop in the forest. His experimental cultivation led to an agricultural legacy that would sustain generations. Today, the Ewe people continue this heritage passed down from their ancestors in Notse, Republic of Togo.

The harvest culminates in the profound 'Dzawuwu' ceremony, where the first portions of 'bakabake' – a sophisticated preparation of boiled and mashed yam with white and red oil – are reverently offered to gods and ancestors. This sacred ritual precedes a communal feast that represents the epitome of cultural unity and familial reunion.

These extraordinary local harvest traditions offer privileged glimpses into practices that continue to shape communities worldwide. Each celebration represents an authentic connection to the land, culture and people who have preserved these customs across generations – a testament to humanity's enduring relationship with the earth and its abundant gifts.