Interesting facts about Garangao festival
One of Ramadan’s most cherished customs for young children is the celebration of Garangao, which is unique to Qatar and the broader Gulf. It allows them to travel through their neighborhoods singing traditional songs to celebrate the occasion and collect presents and bags of candy from their elders. Children who have been fasting for the past two weeks reach a halfway point at the Garangao festival, which encourages them to continue until the conclusion of the month. The Garangao festival offers a variety of enjoyable pursuits, such as arts & crafts, storytelling, games, pony rides, traditional folk melodies, and hilarious puppet acts for young audiences. Additionally, the kids will get free books in addition to the customary Garangao presents and sweets.
Origin of the word
The celebration is well-known throughout the Gulf and is said to have its roots in the custom of pearl diving. Its name is thought to be derived from the word ‘gara’, which represents the sound generated when two things are knocked against one another. The event is known by a somewhat different name in each of the Gulf nations: Hag Al Leylah in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates, Karkee’aan in Saudi Arabia, Gargee’aan in Kuwait, and Garangashoch in Oman.
Dressing up in festive clothing
Everyone especially youngsters and children in Qatar dresses up for Garangao, with the girls donning lavish, colorful, embroidered jalabiyas and gold jewelry and carrying their adorned bags as they prepare to hit the streets for a sugar rush.
Amassing sweets
Of course, a celebration geared for kids means tonnes of candy. In the past, youngsters received candies and nuts in their bags. Prior to the celebration, individuals load their homes with candy, and some even take an effort to arrange little gifts for the kids to gather.
Public song-performance
The kids have their own unique Garangao songs that they sing as they run through the streets of their communities in search of as much candy as they can.
Goodies in designed packets and bags
Children will leave their houses this evening dressed in their traditional garb and knock on every door in their neighborhood, which will be prepared to welcome them with treats and nuts. They gather the goods and sling the distinctive cotton sacks loosely around their necks. Children can be spotted playing in the streets till late at night while singing the distinctive Garangao song. People also are interested in purchasing specifically designed packs and bags embellished with well-known cartoon characters and other symbols that children find meaningful rather than merely the goods themselves.
