Children in traditional attire celebrate Garangao at Al Wakrah yesterday. Salim Matramkot
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Garangao, a Gulf tradition for children practised primarily in Qatar, was very much alive yesterday as thousands of kids in traditional costumes thronged various locations in Doha to receive sweets and gifts.
Most flocked to Katara, the city’s cultural hub, which recreated the traditional feel of the night, putting up 16 stations where children went to fill their bags with goodies. “Last year we received around 8,000 children, tonight we are expecting 10,000 or more,” Malika Mohammed Al Shuraim, Katara’s Director of Communication and Public Relations Department, told The Peninsula.
Katara celebrated its biggest Garangao yet in terms of activities and preparations.
“This is much better than last year. We tripled the number of activities and included a variety of gifts for children,” said Al Shuraim, adding two of the main events new this year were a play at the Drama Theatre and traditional activities at Building 12 which would continue until midnight.
The children also enjoyed activities such as listening to Alhzayah or Arrawi (narrator) who discussed cultural and historical subjects, puppet theatre, reading corner, art workshop, short story writing, photography corner, handicraft corner and talent corner. They also played traditional games such as Al Dahroa, Al Jiss and Al Sabh.
In Aspire Park, children visited a small village especially set up for the celebration. It consisted of traditionally decorated homes, where women dressed in traditional costumes served them candy and nuts. The film Children of Heaven was screened in collaboration with Doha Film Institute, games and competitions. Souq Waqif and The Pearl Qatar also organised Garangao night with a series of activities.
The Community Policing section of the Capital Security Department joined a celebration held by Qatar Foundation for the Elderly People Care at its headquarters on Sunday. Many elderly people, their relatives and children took part. The celebration aimed to bring different generations together.
The Primary Health Care Corporation marked the occasion by giving out treats to children that stopped by any of the 21 health centres. Al Khor Health Center welcomed about 75 children. The celebration at Ezdan Mall received a large number of children who also took part in a photo session at Al Akkas. Interactive games and quiz competitions were held by children for children. Prizes were distributed.
The Peninsula
