Doha, March 13 (QNA) - The Qatari community is celebrating the traditional Garangao night, on the 15th night of Ramadan.

his night is especially for children, who dress in beautiful traditional attire to mark the halfway point of the holy month and prepare for Eid Al-Fitr.

Heritage researcher Faisal Al Tamimi, speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), emphasized the cultural significance of Garangao, noting its long history in Qatar. He explained that the term Garangao is derived from the word Garaqaa, which refers to the rattling sound made by stones.

In the past, mothers would sew small bags from leftover fabric pieces at home for their children to collect treats, creating a rattling sound as they filled them with stones and hit them together, a sound that could be heard throughout the neighborhood in the absence of modern noise pollution from cars and air conditioners.

Al Tamimi added that on this night, children start their celebration from the afternoon of the 14th day of Ramadan, marking the halfway point and preparing for the last ten days.

After receiving treats, which usually consist of a mix of nuts and sweets, the children challenge each other to collect as much as they can.

He noted that when neighbors give out treats, they sing the aforementioned song and offer blessings, hoping God will allow them to celebrate the occasion annually. If no treats are given, the children sing another playful song expressing their disappointment.

Al Tamimi explained that in the past, children would wear their regular traditional clothing, preparing for the big day of Eid.

While in recent times, the custom of Garangao has become less frequent due to modern circumstances, awareness among families has led to its revival in a more institutionalized form.

Al Jasra Club was the first to organize institutional celebrations in the early 1980s, designing bags printed with the club's name, which delighted children and was praised by the community.

Following this, various institutions, ministries, companies, and organizations began reviving this beautiful tradition, incorporating creativity in the design of Garangao bags, making them in various forms like boxes or cartons, and spurring a vibrant trade during Ramadan.

He concluded by noting that nowadays, special outfits are designed specifically for Garangao night, often costing more than Eid clothes due to intricate embroidery and decorations inspired by heritage, making them more expensive.

Celebrating Garangao night is a meaningful tradition that strengthens social ties between children and adults, fortifies family bonds within neighborhoods, and fosters a sense of solidarity and cooperation within the community.

Despite being an old custom, Qataris and other Gulf communities continue to cherish and modernize it.

This tradition greatly enhances social relationships among children and neighbors, instills confidence and character in children, and introduces younger generations to Qatar's authentic customs and enduring values, promoting love, harmony, and mutual support within society. (QNA)