Katara, the cultural village, is geared up to host children and their parents in large number to take celebrate the Garangao festival on Sunday. The three tents at Katara - Al Aud, Al Misk and Al Rayhan tents - are already showcasing 39 Qatari traditions. Children are invited to take part in the celebration which will take place at Katara’s courtyard, located between buildings 12 and 16, from 7.30pm. For those who want a full Ramadan experience, the tents on the esplanade offer complete fun and educational experience that takes visitors through Qatar’s various historic, artistic and social crafts and practices. Craftsmen at the Al Misk tent showcase traditional skills and products and their role in society. For example, the boat-maker demonstrates links between Qatar’s marinerelated industries and the economy. The Sadu (wool knitting) craft, considered one of the oldest traditional crafts in Qatar, shows traditional ways to adapt to life in the harsh desert environment. Ghanim Abdulla al Ghanim, the Al Misk tent supervisor, said, “I have seen smiles on people’s faces as they recall the traditions with a sense of nostalgia. 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 Al Aud tent focuses on the 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 Centre, 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. In addition, there is a special photography exhibition for the holy mosque in Mecca. Saud al Merri, supervisor the Al Aud tent said, “The festival reflects the civilised face of Qatar. We are impressed by the high number of visitors who come with their children to enjoy their evenings here.” The Al Rayhan 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. Mohammed al Khulaifi, supervisor of the Al Rayhan tent, said, “Qatar is keen to embrace traditional events in recognition of our forefathers’ heritage and to maintain them. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all our partners from national institutions and associations for their cooperation in providing us with the support and expertise we needed for erecting this tent.” There is also a Musahrati who wakes people before dawn for suhoor, and a Bandari who distributes water to people to quench their thirst while moving between the tents.
http://www.qatar-tribune.com/data/20110814/content.asp?section=nation2_3
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