File photo used for representation
Doha: The traditional marketplace, Souq Waqif, is prepared to accommodate the demand of items for Garangao annual event, such as sweets, nuts, and clothing, as the nation prepares to celebrate the festive this week.
As early as last week, shops with food products, and men’s and women’s sections have started displaying and selling these items which are now in high demand. The Peninsula spoke to some shopkeepers at Souq Waqif, which is considered one of the top tourist attractions in the country.
Anulhak from Mohd. Ahmed Mohd. Al Emadi shop said he noticed that compared to the past three years, the number of people buying Garangao clothes have significantly increased.
“For 12 years, I have been working here and I can say that the sales are going back to pre-COVID-19 level.”
He explained that the shop’s daily sales is QR5,000 at a minimum, and this week, it is expected to increase even more. The store offers clothes for two to ten years old Garangao clothes starting from QR60 to QR85; and for adults from QR50 to QR100, depending on the design and materials used.
Mubarak, salesman from Garden of Star, said he has observed a spike of sales for Garangao clothing, with the majority of buyers being parents and tourists. He stated that travellers celebrating Ramadan in the country find the clothes unique and appealing due to the vibrant colours, adding that “primarily they are shopping for their children or nieces.”
Prices of Garangao clothes at Garden of Star start from QR30 to QR100. Souq Waqif also has a good selection of treats, including nuts and candies. Together with these, there are also Garangao baskets and the ones that are specially packed and filled with goods. Customers can purchase the treats in bulk or per kilo.
One of Ramadan’s most cherished customs for young children is the celebration of Garangao, which is unique to Qatar and the wider Gulf region, which allows them to go from house to house collecting sweet goodies from their neighbours.
According to Qatar Tourism, the celebration is on every 14th day of Ramadan, where children get dressed up in their traditional dress and knock on the doors of all their neighbours. “The whole community welcomes the kids with treats like sweets and nuts. On this night, Qatari kids and all their international friends stay out until late collecting treats in traditional cotton bags, while singing a traditional song.”
