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Children in Qatar are not allowed to go out to celebrate the Garangao festival — a traditional children's celebration marking the halfway point of the Ramadan fast
In a public notice posted on its social media platforms, Qatar's Interior Ministry instructed parents to ensure their children remain at home and refrain from going out to celebrate Garangao Night.
Residents were also told to leave their homes only in cases of absolute necessity.
A public notice posted by Qatar's Ministry of Interior warning parents not to allow their children go out and celebrate the children's festival.
Image via Qatar's Ministry of InteriorSalmah (not her real name), a Malaysian residing in Doha said Garangao has been celebrated for decades in several Gulf countries to mark the 15th night of Ramadan.
She said the celebration is usually a lively and much-anticipated occasion each year, with children going from house to house collecting sweets, small gifts and pocket money.
"Tonight (Tuesday night) is the 15th night. I had prepared sweet packets for the children who usually come by, but tonight has been a bit quiet because they are not allowed to go out.
"We would normally go to shopping malls as well, where various events are organised to mark the 15th night," she said.
Salmah usually prepares about 20 packages, which typically run out in previous years but none of the packets she prepared that night were handed out.
Salmah usually prepared about 20 packages, all of which are gone — but last night, none were handed out.
Image via Interviewee (Provided to SAYS)Traditionally, the festival serves to encourage children who have completed the first half of Ramadan to continue fasting for the remainder of the month.
Along with collecting treats, families often gather, exchange greetings and enjoy the spirit of togetherness.
