Doha, Qatar: With the arrival of Ramadan, various prominent destinations in the city have embraced the spirit of the holy month with a range of cultural and traditional activities.
Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, Old Doha Port, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and Souq Wakra are among the locations adorned with Ramadan-themed decorations, creating an atmosphere rich in spirituality and cultural significance.
Katara stands out with its vibrant neon signs displaying "Blessed Ramadan" in Arabic, accompanied by traditional symbols like crescent moons, stars, and lanterns. Throughout Ramadan, Katara will host 25 religious and cultural events, including lectures, poetry readings, and sports tournaments such as the Beach Volleyball Championship and the Chess Championship.
At Old Doha Port, the festivities continue with cultural and maritime activities, including the nostalgic Throwback Food Festival, offering a delightful array of Arabic cuisine alongside daily performances. The Musaheratis, also known as 'Ramadan Drummers,' will roam the port area daily during Ramadan, awakening the neighborhood with traditional chants before dawn.
Other attractions include Souq Al Mina and the Wada’a Ramadan celebration during the final four days of Ramadan.
Msheireb Downtown Doha joins the celebration with Al Wadi Mosque hosting Arabic lectures, while all three mosques in the downtown area, including Al Wadi, Al Baraha, and Msheireb Mosque, hold Taraweeh prayers.
Meanwhile, Souq Waqif and Souq Wakra extend their operating hours into the late night, providing a vibrant atmosphere for shoppers and diners alike. Souq Waqif's stores are open from 8 am to 12 pm and from Iftar until 1 am, while Souq Wakra operates from 9 am to 1 pm and from Iftar until 1 am.
A highlight for children during Ramadan is the celebration of Garangao, a Gulf tradition where youngsters roam the neighborhood singing traditional songs and receiving treats from elders. This cherished tradition will take place at Katara and Old Doha Port, adding a touch of nostalgia and joy to the holy month.
Garangao, typically observed on the 14th day of Ramadan, is a mid-month celebration where families gather for a late-night meal and distribute Garangao bags filled with sweets and nuts to children, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of laughter and the "Gara" song echoing through the streets.
