Qatari children adorned in colourful costumes will be out in groups this evening, singing traditional songs and knocking at the doors of houses in their neighbourhoods in celebration of Garangao, a festival marked in the Gulf countries on the 14th night of the holy month of Ramadan.Unique to some of the Gulf countries, Garangao, a children’s festival, is celebrated mid-Ramadan every year with great joy. Children could be seen going from house to house in various localities and receiving bags of sweets and nuts.In some cases adults, beating the drums, accompany the kids who sing songs like “give us what God gives you, have a house in Makkah for your generosity.”In celebration of Garangao, Commercialbank is organising events across its various branches tonight. Every year the bank gets involved in Garangao, the most popular children’s festival in Qatar. “Commercialbank’s support of this authentic Qatari tradition reflects the bank’s commitment to preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage and customs,” a spokesman said. Abdulla al-Raisi, DCEO, Commercialbank, said: “Commercialbank is an avid supporter of community initiatives and continues to be a proud contributor to Garangao celebrations. Garangao provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and Qatar’s rich heritage together as a family. ”Commercialbank has welcomed parents and their children and will distribute gifts to its young guests from 8.30pm to 10.30pm at its branches at Landmark, Hyatt Plaza, City Center, Villaggio Mall, Al Rayyan, Porto Arabia (The Pearl).Katara (Cultural Village) is looking forward to welcoming more visitors, especially children, from all over Doha to take part in this year’s Garangao celebrations.While the Ramadan Festival underway at the village showcases a total of 39 Qatari traditions at the AlOud, AlMisk and AlRayhan tents located at the esplanade, an additional 40th, Garangao, will be celebrated this evening. Children are invited to take part in the celebrations which will take place at the courtyard located between buildings 12 and 16 starting at 7.30pm.For those who want a full Ramadan experience, the tents on the esplanade boast a complete fun and educational experience that takes visitors through Qatar’s various historic, artistic and social crafts and practices.The AlMisk tent hosts craftsmen who showcase the traditional skills and products and their role in society. Ghanim Abdulla al-Ghanim, the AlMisk tent supervisor said: “I have seen this tent draw smiles on people’s faces as they recall these traditions with a sense of nostalgia for the past. For that reason, I believe it is very important for families to bring their children so they can learn more about their past. We hope to develop and expand these traditional events in the coming years.”The AlOud tent focuses on artistic expressions of the different environments that Qataris lived in –sea and desert. Packed with displays of sculptures and paintings by Qatari artists and photographs contributed by the Qatar Photography Center, it provides a great environment for visitors to show off their own artistic flair at the drawing and painting tables laid out in the tent. The AlRayhan tent hosts paintings by distinguished artists and a book fair about Qatari heritage and hospitality with a large collection of national, Arab and international books and literature.More than 200 sick children in Hamad Hospital were delighted to share in the ancient tradition of Garangao last night in a programme organised by RasGas . More than 20 volunteers from RasGas participated as part of its corporate Social Responsibility programme. “As a Qatari company, we believe it is our responsibility to support our neighbours. RasGas is happy to share this celebration with less fortunate children. In today’s increasingly fast-paced multicultural society, traditions and folklore have become increasingly meaningful for children,” said RasGas Supply Manager Abdulla al-Mahmoud. The volunteers from RasGas’ Management Services Group along with Hamad Hospital officials gave treats and gifts to the children and their families at the Hamad Medical Corporation Paediatric Unit.
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