The virtual session led by Embrace Doha brought people together and marked the mid-point of the Holy Month of Ramadan

The spirit of Ramadan was celebrated in virtual form by Qatar Foundation through an online insight into Garangao – the mid-point of the Holy Month.

Members of the community from Qatar and beyond were invited to join the session organised by the cultural consultancy company Embrace Doha, the Community Engagement team of Qatar Foundation. The session captured the essence of Garangao – from its meaning and purpose, to its traditions – with the usual events and activities that surround it cancelled due to COVID-19.

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The session explained how Garangao is an occasion to be celebrated by people of all ages, with children being recognised and rewarded for fasting during the first weeks of Ramadan, and encouraged to continue doing so for the remainder of the Holy Month.

The online audience also learned about the traditional clothes that children wear, the bags they carry, the songs they sing and the preparations that people make for the occasion.

According to Hend Al Mousawi, Head of Culture and Heritage Programming at Qatar Foundation, Ramadan is a time of sharing.

Through the online event, we wanted to share knowledge about Garangao, and what it means to Qatar and the region, with people of all nationalities and cultures.

Al Mousawi said that the impact of COVID-19 have led to changes in our lives, but traditions endure.

Through virtual events such as these during Ramadan, we are looking to bring people together in a different way to celebrate this special time.

Embrace Doha Founder Amal Al Shammari, who led the online session, said that the celebration encourages social interaction between children and provides them with a sense of place within their community.

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