Qatar National Library marks Garangao

In celebration of the traditional mid-Ramadan children’s festival Garangao, Qatar National Library (QNL) and Qatar Foundation’s Community Services hosted an event for children  at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre last Tuesday. The event, aimed at promoting local traditions and customs, was organised in conjunction with the office of the Supreme Education Council (SEC) Vice Chairperson, HE  Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani.During the fun-filled event, 800 children participated in a variety of traditional activities that have been passed down throughout the generations. Apart from receiving the traditional Garangao gifts and sweets, the children were also given complimentary books provided by the SEC as part of the proposed National Reading Campaign.The event also featured a number of entertaining activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, time-honoured folk songs, and amusing shows for children. Dr Claudia Lux, project director of Qatar National Library, said: “We are glad to partner with the Supreme Education Council and Qatar Foundation Community Services in organising this significant event that reinforces the social bonds within members of the local community. This initiative comes as part of the National Library’s efforts to keep alive local traditions and encourage the younger generation to preserve this form of folk heritage. The event was a memorable one for children and elders alike and QNL is planning to organise several festivities in a traditional atmosphere in the future.”