On Thursday 6 April, Al Faleh Educational Holding celebrated Garangao at Doha Academy School. The school was beautifully decorated to mark the festive celebration of Garangao. With a traditional Ramadan tent and majlis area erected, a variety of activities including; Qatari dance performances, contests, henna designs, instant photography, lantern making and sweet giving, were on show throughout the day.
Garangao is a tradition that is uniquely celebrated in Qatar and the wider Gulf region. It involves children dressing up in beautiful, traditional clothing, and visiting neighbors, friends and family who present them with sweets.
The festival of Garangao, officially celebrated on the 14th evening of the Holy Month, marks the halfway point for children who have fasted for the past two weeks, perhaps for the first time in their lives. It encourages them to continue fasting until the end of the month.
Students and staff were dressed in their finest clothes, and students brought their ‘Garangao bags’ to have sweets put in. Parents were also invited to attend and take pictures with their children. Mr Humzah, a Deputy within the Primary team, supported in organising the event and explained how important it was that “the community as a whole are involved in recognizing and celebrating those Qatari traditions related to such an important Islamic month in the year.”
Mr. Edward Cooper, Principal of Doha Academy Schools, stated, “Garangao is a special time of the year for students – an opportunity for them to focus on the meaning of Ramadan as well as a form of encouragement to continue fasting where appropriate.”
Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Garangao and all students received sweets to enjoy at home that evening.
Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani, Founder and Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding Q.P.S.C. commented “In celebrating Garangao, we are encouraging our students to engage fully in Ramadan As always we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, and promote our Qatari folklore, and we are pleased to offer the students and the whole community the opportunity to celebrate Garangao.”
