Kids mark Qaranqasho today with joy and fun

Muscat, March 13

The people of Oman are preparing to celebrate Qaranqasho, a beloved Ramadhan tradition eagerly awaited by children every year, on Friday.

The Qaranqasho celebration takes place on the night of the 15th of Ramadhan, a night children anticipate with great enthusiasm. Dressed in their traditional attire, they roam the streets after the Isha prayer, singing special folk chants for the occasion, such as "Qaranqasho, oh people... Give us some sweets!"

Knocking on doors, the children are warmly welcomed by families who offer them sweets expressing their joy in this tradition. The celebration strengthens social bonds among neighbours and brings happiness to children while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

This year, shops selling supplies for the celebration, such as giveaways and festive decorations associated with Qaranqasho, have experienced a boost in sales. Commercial social media accounts catering to this occasion have also been highly active, with an increased demand for Qaranqasho-themed sweets and traditional hampers, reflecting the strong enthusiasm of Omani families for reviving this tradition.

Said al Harthy, the owner of a store specialising in Qaranqasho items, said: "This year, we have seen an unprecedented demand for Qaranqasho gifts. Families started purchasing sweets and giveaways days in advance. We also noticed a growing interest in products that showcase Omani heritage, such as embroidered bags adorned with traditional patterns, indicating a deep desire to preserve the authenticity of this celebration."

Similarly, Shikah al Raisi, a mother of three, expressed her eagerness to participate in the festivities. "Every year, we buy Qaranqasho gifts for our children and their neighbours, as they eagerly await this special night. This year, I noticed that stores started preparing for Qaranqasho earlier, offering a wide variety of options, making the preparations even more enjoyable."

Most shops across Oman have launched special promotions for Qaranqasho, with major retailers and local stores competing to offer discounts and special deals. Brightly coloured gift boxes, reflecting the festive spirit, are also in high demand. Additionally, toy sections have witnessed a surge in sales as families purchase dolls, balloons and small gifts.

This year, various wilayats across Oman will host Qaranqasho events. The Municipality Department in the Wilayat of Al Khabourah has announced a special event featuring entertainment shows, competitions and cartoon shows, along with gift distributions for children. The event is scheduled for Friday, Ramadhan 14, at the municipality building premises in Al Khabourah.

Similarly, the Municipality Department in the Wilayat of Saham has announced a Qaranqasho event on Saturday at Saham Public Park, providing families and children an opportunity to enjoy the festivities. Meanwhile, the "Tahloolah Night" (a spiritually themed celebration) will be held at Sohar Public Park on Friday, featuring religious chants and prayers, emphasising the spiritual essence of this blessed night.

Authorities said motorists should exercise caution while driving, especially in residential neighbourhoods, where children roam the streets with joy and fun. Parents are also advised to instruct their children about safety while moving around.