Garangao event highlights Qatari traditions and culture

The Garangao Cultural Activation held at the Corniche Plaza Wednesday included a range of activities highlighting Qatari traditions and culture, and were designed particularly for children to learn from.
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, in co-operation with Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways and Ooredoo, organised the special event. It was attended by representatives of the organising entities along with officials and staff from Shafallah and Dreama centres, in order to familiarise children with the cultural heritage of the country and to develop their social and life skills.
The Doha Corniche has been decorated with special lighting, from Al Funduq Park until Amiri Diwan, as part of a campaign to beautify the main areas in Doha through the ‘Festive Lighting’ initiative, including Al Zaman Plaza and the Corniche Tunnel, during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The lighting takes place every day from 7.30pm until 2am, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said in a statement.
The Garangao event featured a fashion show contest for traditional Garangao outfit, decorating the traditional Batoola, drawing with Azzam, and Sadu bracelet workshops. Additionally, there was an art exhibition and stage sessions explaining the Garangao tradition, as well as children singing traditional songs. Cultural quizzes and team-building activities with prizes were also available, along with a fashion show contest where judges chose the best traditional outfits.
Besides, attendees were able to visit the henna corner and enjoy traditional food and beverages.
Abdulla Saad al-Saad, Public Relations and Communications Department manager at Ashghal, confirmed that holding the Garangao event comes as part of the authority's social responsibility strategy and within the framework of the Ramadan activities that began at the beginning of the holy month. The event was aimed at promoting customs and raising awareness among younger generations regarding the importance of preserving this rich tradition.
Mohamed Arqoub al-Khaldi, chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, said: “We are pleased to celebrate Garangao in co-operation with our partners to promote local traditions and customs, and keen -- along with Qatar Tourism -- through the 'Festive Lighting' initiative to enrich the lives of citizens and residents by providing a leisure atmosphere for people while reflecting on the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month and the joy of Eid al-Fitr. In addition, we are keen to create a vibrant art scene characterised by creativity and the optimal use of lighting techniques, which in turn contributes to enriching the local tourism landscape."
Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber, manager of the Shared Services Department at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are delighted to support and be part of the creation of an enjoyable and festive atmosphere for all community members in Qatar this Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. As part of Qatar Tourism's 'Feel Ramadan in Qatar' campaign, we worked alongside our partners at the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar to develop interactive lighting, a water show, and displays featuring illuminated Ramadan phrases, all created with exceptional art tools. In addition, we have organised a range of cultural events for children and adults for Garangao, including Drawing with Azzam, traditional singing, fashion shows, henna, cultural quizzes and team-building activities, all aimed at highlighting Qatar's rich heritage and traditions."
Hamad al-Khaja, head of the Technical Support Department for Tourism Events and Festivals at Qatar Tourism, noted: “Our Ramadan activities wrap up a successful season of family-friendly events under Qatar Tourism’s ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign launched a couple months ago, which included live shows of regional and international artistes as well as world-class exhibitions and festivals. We invite Qatar’s community to enjoy the festive atmosphere offered by these beautiful light installations.”
Jazmine al-Sheikh, Project Design manager, added: “We are delighted to celebrate Garangao with festive lighting, which contributes to providing more joy and the opportunity to enjoy wonderful shows, as shapes used in the designs are reflective of Ramadan. Two different locations were chosen for the festive lighting, which are Al Zaman Plaza on Grand Hamad Street and the Corniche Tunnel that connects Al Masrah Park and the Corniche. The two locations include a water show and displays with illuminated Ramadan phrases using exceptional art tools that provide a unique splendour to the locations.”