The community came out in full to celebrate Garangao festival at Qatar National Library on 18 May. The popular children’s festival is traditionally held on the 14th night of Ramadan, and is a time for celebration across Qatar.
In keeping with Garangao traditions, visitors arrived at the Library’s event wearing colorful traditional Qatari dresses, and took part in an animated program of festivities that included singing Garangao songs and cultural arts and crafts.
Noor Jehan, Information Services Librarian at the Library, said: “During May and the holy month of Ramadan, the Library’s program of events has focused on different aspects of faith, seeking to foster mindfulness and understanding so as to preserve our heritage for future generations. Garangao has always been a special tradition for the Qatari community, and by hosting this festive event at the Library, we hope to keep this tradition alive within the community, especially for our younger members.”
The “Garangao Box Activity” delighted children attending the event. Artist Samar Saeed showed the younger guests how to design and create a Garangao box to fill with sweets and nuts, which they were able to take away as memorable tokens of the event.
Eiman Al Sheikh, who attended the event with her daughter, said: “I am very happy to take part in the Garangao celebration today at the Library. It is very organized, and my daughter is excited to attend the event. We are frequent visitors to the Library so my daughter feels safe and motivated to interact with other children, and learn from them.”
Safwa Rashid, another participant, said: “It is very nice to celebrate Garangao at the Library, which is different from celebrating it at home or with close relatives. My two children and I get a different experience when we visit the Library, and attend events such as this one. I encourage families to bring their children to the Library and take part in these events.”
