In celebration of the traditional mid-Ramadan children’s festival “Garangao,” Qatar National Library (QNL) and Qatar Foundation’s Community Services hosted a wonderful event for children on Tuesday (23 July). QNL, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, rejoiced in the spirit of Ramadan with fellow employees and their families at the Qatar Foundation recreation center.
The joyous event, which is aimed at promoting local traditions and customs, was organised in conjunction with the Supreme Education Council (SEC), under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s office, as part of a Ramadan reading programme.
During the fun-filled event, 800 children participated in a variety of traditional activities that have been passed down throughout the generations. Apart from receiving the traditional Garangao gifts and sweets, the children were also given complimentary books provided by the SEC as part of the proposed National Reading Campaign. The event also featured a number of entertaining activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, time-honoured folk songs, and amusing shows for children.
Commenting on this event, Dr Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library, said, “We are glad to partner with the Supreme Education Council and Qatar Foundation Community Services in organising this significant event that reinforces the social bonds within members of the local community. This initiative comes as part of the National Library’s efforts to keep alive local traditions and encourage the younger generation to preserve this form of folk heritage. The event was a memorable one for children and elders alike and QNL is planning to organise several festivities in a traditional atmosphere in the future.”
“Garangao” is a middle of Ramadan tradition that is widely celebrated by children across the Gulf region. On this night, children walk around their neighbourhoods singing traditional songs that mark the occasion and receive gifts and bags of sweets from their elders. This year, the QNL event was a great success and the National Library enjoyed bringing families together in a festive atmosphere to celebrate Ramadan and Garangao day.
