Today is a special occasion for kids, as the country celebrates Garangao, a Gulf tradition where youngsters walk in their neighborhoods while singing traditional songs and receiving gifts and sweets from the elderly.
Many organizations and establishments are planning events to commemorate this annual tradition that falls on the 14th day of Ramadan. According to Qatar Tourism, It is said to have originated in an effort to celebrate children as they tried to fast.
Those parents and families who are still unprepared for this special day can visit Souq Waqif to buy Garangao pouches, candy, nuts and as the last piece of the puzzle – traditional Garangao clothes with candy pouches!
As part of the festivities, Msheireb Downtown Doha will host activities along Al Kahraba street where Ramadan corner also features food stalls and local brands to be enjoyed by all.
Garangao celebration will be part of the Ramadan Cultural Nights at Education City, which includes kids' nightly activities, cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions, and a Qatar Reads reading corner. At Oxygen Park, there are also food and marketplace vendors, operating from 8 pm until 2 am in the area adjacent to Multaqa Student Centre.
Tonight at Ayen Hleetan Market, following the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, the municipality of Al Khor and Thakira will hold the Garangao Night Celebration.
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— Ooredoo Qatar (@OoredooQatar) April 14, 2022
Proud to sponsor Family Day celebrations which will be organised by The Ministry of Social Development and Family on Friday 15 April.
Join us at Torba Farmers Market, Qatar Foundation’s Ceremonial Court, from 7pm until 1am.#Ooredoo pic.twitter.com/xXQsms6sBv
The Ministry of Social Development and Family is celebrating Family Day in conjunction with Garangao through songs and games at Torba Market in Education City. The market will feature art activities, Torba Junior with Acdemyati Garangao edition, Kids candle workshops, Make your own cup with ceramic cubes, and vendors offering Ramadan food options.
Held indoors, several malls are hosting a variety of activities - face painting, fun games, Hakawati, as well as Garangao goodie bags for kids, all activities are complimentary!
It's Garangao time! Let's celebrate this weekend together at Mall of Qatar!!
— Mall of Qatar (@MALLOFQATAR) April 14, 2022
Story teller
Kids choir
Candy distribution#ramadankareem #garangao #garangaomoq #Doha #qatar #MallofQatar #yourultimatedestination #وجهتكم_الأفضل #قطر #قطر_مول pic.twitter.com/zft6hzu8Tk
The Mall of Qatar is dedicated to delivering a wide range of entertainment for families and individuals of all ages. Local traditions such as handicraft booths, calligraphy, henna, live painting, Majlis photo booth, Arabic coffee and hospitality, and a great Oud playing band will be part of the Mall of Qatar celebrations.
As part of the Garangao event, they will include activities such as Hakawati, or storytelling through the artifacts on display; the Kids' Choir, Misaharaty, and bags will be filled with gifts of sweets for all the children.
On April 15, there will be complimentary goodies, popcorn, and face painting at both Gulf Mall and The Gate Mall.
In an interview with The Peninsula, siblings Rohannah Kricel Mendoza and Gabriel Moses Mendoza expressed their excitement about the event, particularly during Ramadan.
Rohannah, age 10, eagerly anticipates celebrating Garangao with friends. “I can’t wait to collect all the candies I can as we sing along and knock on doors.”
Gabriel Moses is eager to wear his Garangao costume, which his parents bought for him. In the wake of the tradition, the eight-year-old kid said the night would be filled with excitement and laughter as they enjoyed Souq Waqif and Musheireb Downtown Doha.
Garangao: Qatari Heritage to Celebrate Half Ramadan. #QNA pic.twitter.com/xQ5766B5L6
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 14, 2022
Qatar Tourism explained that Garangao occurs halfway through Ramadan. As the night wears on, the families gather for Ghabga (late night meal) and distribute Garangao - mixed bags of nuts, sweets, sugared kernels, and other candies to children in the neighborhood, as they sing the "gara" a traditional song.
Gara is the Khaliji (Gulf) word for the sound of two things knocking together, used to describe the sound of nuts and sweets in bags or the sound of knocking on doors.
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Source: The Peninsula
Cover image credit: QNA
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