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A guide to some Garangao activities taking place this Ramadan

A guide to some Garangao activities taking place this Ramadan
May 6, 2020

Although Qatar experiences a unique Ramadan this year, amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with mosque closures and restrictions in place on the usual community-gatherings and knowledge-sharing sessions, the country has found innovative ways to keep certain traditions alive.

One of the most popular traditions during Ramadan in Qatar is Garangao, which will be marked in a truly special way this year.

Different government entities and companies have come up with interesting ways to spread joy among children and keep the spirit of this celebration high.

What is Garangao?

Garangao is a children's festival traditionally celebrated in Qatar and throughout the Middle East after breaking of the fast on the 14th of Ramadan.

The festival is known by different names in each region: Garangao or Garangaou in Bahrain and Qatar, Qariqaan or Karkee'aan in Saudi Arabia, Al-Majeena Karkiaan in Iraq, Gargee'aan in Kuwait, Hag Al Leylah in UAE and Garangashoch, Qarnakosh or At-Tablah in Oman.

The event involves children getting dressed up in traditional Qatari clothing and going around the neighborhood to collect nuts and sweets. However, this year as we practice staying home for safety, this will not apply.

Garangano has been a long-standing tradition in the country and holds great significance in Qatari heritage.

Garangao Activities in Ramadan 2020

Ministry of Culture and Sports - buses to drop sweet treats for children at their homes

According to an announcement by the Ministry, to celebrate Garangao this Ramadan, it has organized special buses that will carry sweets and nuts for children. These treats will be dropped at children's homes across different areas in the country.

At least 10 sports clubs comprising Al Rayyan Sports Club, Al Sadd Sports Club, Qatar Sports Club, Al Khor Sports Club, and Al Shamal Sports Club have coordinated for this initiative.

The main idea behind this is to keep the excitement of Garangao going while ensuring all precautionary measures are in place to defeat the virus.

Qatar Museums, Hamad Medical Corporation combine efforts for virtual Garangao

Qatar Museums (QM) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have announced the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" campaign for this Garangao. 

The campaign calls upon families to come together for a virtual celebration of this special tradition while making sure they follow the necessary safety measures to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Under this QM-HMC initiative, families are encouraged to share their children's photos dressed in traditional Garangao clothes. The photos will be posted on QM and HMC Instagram pages.

The virtual celebration seeks to strengthen connections between families and friends and ensure the continuity of the Garangao tradition, despite the challenging circumstances.

Those who wish to submit their children's photos can do so via direct message to Qatar Museums’ Instagram account (@qatar_museums).

Katara - gifts, surprises for children at their homes

In celebration of Garangao, Katar's special vehicles loaded with gifts and prizes will go around Qatar to spread happiness among children in different neighborhoods. In an announcement on its social media pages, Katara has highlighted a number of areas it will cover under this initiative.

Qatar Foundation - Online Garangao

Qatar Foundation has been holding a slew of activities during Ramadan 2020. The organization will be holding an online Garangao session tomorrow at 3.00 pm.

According to QF, "This session will be dedicated to explaining the Garangao ceremony that Qataris celebrate in the middle of Ramadan. Speakers will present the story behind the ceremony and demonstrate the traditional clothes people wear during the special day."

You can register for the session here. 

Ooredoo Qatar

Ooredoo Qatar announced on its social media pages that it will be holding a Garangao-themed competition tomorrow. Keep an eye out, participate and win some prizes!

Mall of Qatar (MOQ)

The Mall of Qatar is stressing the importance of celebrating Garangao at home. Families are invited to send videos of their kids while celebrating Garangao at home for a chance to be featured on the mall's social media channels.

Advice from HMC for celebrating Garangao amid COVID-19

Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.

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Cover Image Credit: Photo by Qatar Tribune from last year's Garangao celebrations at Katara

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