From its beginnings as a practice started by grandparents to encourage children to fast in the holy month of Ramadan to a popular celebration that young and old await annually, the ancient tradition of Garangao has transformed in Qatar and all GCC countries.
Garangao is a celebration by Qatari and Gulf families on the night of the midway point of Ramadan in honour of children, to reward them for completing the fasting up to this point, and to encourage them to continue and persevere in fasting.
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) precautionary measures, this year is witnessing great preparations for the return of the celebration.
Maryam Jassim al-Khulaifi, an expert in cultural research and studies who was formerly with the Ministry of Culture, said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Garangao means knocking on the door, as well as a mix of various types of nuts and sweets, and noted that it is also derived from the sound of the hitting of pots and baskets containing nuts and sweets.
The celebration of Garangao is not limited to Qatar; the occasion is celebrated throughout the Gulf community, with children heading out in groups after breakfast, carrying bags and going to nearby houses, knocking on doors and being rewarded with having their bags filled with sweets and nuts specially prepared by families a few days before this occasion.
While doing so the children chant: "Garangao Girga oh, give us sweets, may God give you more, and send you to the House in Makkah.
“Oh Noor, with the gold necklace, give us from the blessings of God, may he bless your child Abdullah."
A few days before the midway point of Ramadan, major stores show off their goods, from nuts and decorations, while designers compete to attract women with clothes specially designed for this night.
Today the celebration of Garangao is no longer enjoyed by families alone; government and private institutions mark this occasion as well.
Institutions celebrate the event by distributing gifts to employees, or by holding celebrations at their premises with a focus on families, and with children becoming the stars of this night.
Abdulaziz al-Bohashem al-Sayed, a researcher in folklore, told QNA that in recent years the celebration of Garangao has become more widespread, with more institutions participating in this occasion.
Heritage researcher al-Khulaifi added that some institutions and companies celebrate this occasion by holding events in markets, malls, or tourist places, such as Katara, The Pearl, the Corniche, and Souq Waqif.
Both researchers called for the preservation of Garangao, given that considering it a beautiful heritage that brings joy to children, helps them keep in touch with the past, and introduces members of the public to the celebration and learn of its value in Qatari society.
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) precautionary measures, this year is witnessing great preparations for the return of the celebration.
Maryam Jassim al-Khulaifi, an expert in cultural research and studies who was formerly with the Ministry of Culture, said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Garangao means knocking on the door, as well as a mix of various types of nuts and sweets, and noted that it is also derived from the sound of the hitting of pots and baskets containing nuts and sweets.
The celebration of Garangao is not limited to Qatar; the occasion is celebrated throughout the Gulf community, with children heading out in groups after breakfast, carrying bags and going to nearby houses, knocking on doors and being rewarded with having their bags filled with sweets and nuts specially prepared by families a few days before this occasion.
While doing so the children chant: "Garangao Girga oh, give us sweets, may God give you more, and send you to the House in Makkah.
“Oh Noor, with the gold necklace, give us from the blessings of God, may he bless your child Abdullah."
A few days before the midway point of Ramadan, major stores show off their goods, from nuts and decorations, while designers compete to attract women with clothes specially designed for this night.
Today the celebration of Garangao is no longer enjoyed by families alone; government and private institutions mark this occasion as well.
Institutions celebrate the event by distributing gifts to employees, or by holding celebrations at their premises with a focus on families, and with children becoming the stars of this night.
Abdulaziz al-Bohashem al-Sayed, a researcher in folklore, told QNA that in recent years the celebration of Garangao has become more widespread, with more institutions participating in this occasion.
Heritage researcher al-Khulaifi added that some institutions and companies celebrate this occasion by holding events in markets, malls, or tourist places, such as Katara, The Pearl, the Corniche, and Souq Waqif.
Both researchers called for the preservation of Garangao, given that considering it a beautiful heritage that brings joy to children, helps them keep in touch with the past, and introduces members of the public to the celebration and learn of its value in Qatari society.
