Children go around the Souq Waqif, collecting sweets and nuts on the occasion of Garangao.  PICTURE: Sami Althalathini
Garangao, the traditional children’s festival marked in the Gulf countries on the 14th night of the holy month of Ramadan, was celebrated with much gaiety across Qatar yesterday.
Children adorned in colourful costumes were out in groups during the evening, singing Garangao songs and receiving gift bags of sweets and nuts from houses in their neighbourhoods.
Various departments of Ministry of Interior (MoI) joined the celebrations in different locations. The South Security Department (SSD) and Al-Wakrah Health Centre jointly hosted the celebrations.
Female cadres of the community policing section of the department distributed Garangao kits for participating children.
Various contests were held and gifts and sweets distributed for kids and mothers.
SSD assistant director Colonel Salem Hindi al-Kaabi said that the Department had made all arrangements for the traditional celebration and deployed patrols in all areas to ensure safety and security.
“As well, we joined the celebration to build strong bonds with the community,” he added.
Rayyan Security Department held celebrations at Hyatt Plaza by organising several activities, contests and traditional games and distributed Garangao kits.
Orders execution section head Major Sultan al-Kaabi said the celebrations served to strengthen the relations between the security force and people. 
In celebration of Garangao, Commercialbank organised events across its various branches yesterday night as it has been doing every year.
“Garangao provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and Qatar’s rich heritage together as a family,” DCEO Abdulla al-Raisi said.
While the Ramadan Festival underway at the village showcases a total of 39 Qatari traditions at the AlOud, AlMisk and AlRayhan tents located at the esplanade, an additional 40th, Garangao, was celebrated yesterday evening.
More than 200 sick children in Hamad Medical Corporation’s Paediatric Unit were delighted to share in the ancient tradition of Garangao last night in a programme organised by RasGas.
Volunteers from RasGas gave treats and gifts to the children and their families as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. 
“RasGas is happy to share this celebration with less fortunate children. In today’s increasingly fast-paced multicultural society, traditions and folklore have become increasingly meaningful for children,” said RasGas Supply Manager Abdulla al-Mahmoud.