Last Saturday in March, Istanbul&I held yet another Culture Night, this time for Garangao. Garangao is a celebration that is widely practiced in Gulf countries. It is a colorful and lively event that brings people of all ages together to enjoy traditional food, music, and games. This celebration dates back centuries and is believed to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula. It is celebrated on the 13th night of Ramadan, which is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The celebration is meant to mark the halfway point of Ramadan and is also a way for children to celebrate the holy month.
During Garangao , children dress up in traditional clothing and go door-to-door in their neighborhood, singing traditional songs and collecting sweets and toys from their neighbors. The celebration is also marked by the lighting of lanterns and the decoration of homes with colorful lights and ornaments.
We cooked chicken Majboos, which is one of the most popular dishes in the region; a spicy rice dish with chicken, served with soup and Arabic sweets called “Halawat El Jibn”. At the end of the event, we played Pictionary with the participants, except this time it was surrounding the theme of the event.,
In conclusion, Garangao is a vibrant and colorful celebration that is widely celebrated in Qatar and other Gulf countries. It is a way for children to celebrate the halfway point of Ramadan and enjoy traditional food, music, and games with their friends and family. The celebration is steeped in history and is an important part of the cultural heritage in the region.
