(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula
Today marks a special celebration especially for children as the country and the entire Gulf region celebrate Garangao, which falls on the night of the middle of the holy month of Ramadan.
The tradition originated as a way to celebrate children as they attempted to fast.
The public and private sectors in Qatar have arranged a selection of Garangao events where kids can participate, make new friends and enjoy this rich cultural heritage.
The Fire Station yesterday held its inaugural Garangao where activities included painting on tote bags, distributing of sweets, henna, and more for people of all ages. Tonight, Corniche Plaza, Lusail Boulevard, Al Shaqab, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, West Walk, 900 Park, and Al Maha Island will host celebrations for this event.
For the first time, a Garangao cultural activation will be held at one of the go-to places this holy month – Corniche Plaza. There are free events scheduled for tonight, including theatrical productions and seminars in art and design.
The Lusail Boulevard, one of the new tourist attractions in the country said,“The fun starts at 9pm to midnight” where gifts will be distributed from bags of sweets, nuts to toys.
A vibrant and young Garangao night will be held at Al Shaqab Village, packed with fun heritage activities like a contest for the best children's Garangao night attire, a fashion display, lantern-making workshops, traditional games, sadu weaving, and many more.
In a statement, Katara stated that continuing the yearly practice is a part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the history of Qatar and the Gulf. The Garangao night will be held all throughout the village.
Smart city Msheireb Downtown Doha will be holding activities and contests dedicated to children, including the best Garangao outfit where they can win a staycation and Suhoor with their families at one of its luxurious 5-star hotels. The contest will run today and tomorrow.
Today's Garangao events will also take place in West Walk, 900 Park, Al Maha Island, where there will be giveaways for children as well as henna and storytelling workshops, among other things.
Malls across the country such as Galeries Lafayette, Al Asmakh Mall, City Center Mall, Ezdan Mall, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, and Tawar Mall will celebrate the annual event mostly tonight and will run until tomorrow.
And on April 8, there will be Qatar Foundation's with an emphasis on sustainability.