The spirit of fun bursts forth in mid-Ramadhan, marking a cherished annual event that brings joy to little ones as they revel in delightful activities and celebrations. This special time not only highlights the deep-rooted Omani customs and traditions passed down through generations but also nurtures the bonds of community and cultural heritage.
One of the highlight customs during this joyous period is the beloved Qaranqasho, held on the night of the mid-Ramadhan, which aims to light up the faces of children, promote social interaction, and instil a sense of belonging. The familiar chant, "Qaranqasho, people, give us some sweets," echoes through neighbourhoods on the fourteenth night of Ramadhan as children parade through the streets, their excitement palpable.
In various governorates across the Sultanate, Muscat leads the way in celebrating this joyous tradition. After the Maghrib prayer and Iftar, children don their finest attire and set out in groups, their large bags in tow, eagerly gathering sweets from each home they visit. With each stop, they sing traditional Omani songs, a true reflection of their vibrant heritage, and are warmly welcomed by homeowners who delight in offering an array of treats and gifts.
Mohammed al Hasani, a resident of the Wilayat of Bousher in Muscat Governorate, reminisces about how the Qaranqasho celebration once spanned every household until the midnight hour, extending even to Suhoor. Today, however, festivities are primarily enjoyed from Iftar until Tarawih prayers, ensuring that children are engaged in this cherished custom across the community.
The essence of Qaranqasho lies in its ability to revive Omani customs while imparting valuable lessons about their heritage to the younger generation. For many children, this celebration is akin to a holiday, as they eagerly visit homes in search of sweets and pocket money. Various gifts, including sweets, nuts, and small toys, accompany the traditional offerings of money and dates, keeping pace with modern times and the ever-evolving desires of children. Each house competes to provide the best treats, ensuring that little ones return home brimming with joy, proudly displaying the treasures they have received.
What was once a simple exchange of money and dates has transformed into a more diverse array of gifts. Each Qaranqasho fosters social interaction among children, teaching them valuable qualities such as teamwork. They learn to work together as a cohesive group, with designated leaders who guide the way, assign roles, and strategise the journey's path.
In recent years, various social institutions, associations, and commercial centres have joined in to celebrate Qaranqasho by organising events that brighten the faces of both children and participants alike. This revived enthusiasm for the tradition has solidified Qaranqasho as a much-anticipated occasion for children and a time when adults joyfully prepare for their participation.
According to reports from residents, this cherished custom has been handed down since ancient times, with fathers and grandfathers partaking in the celebrations. Today, children eagerly await their turn, ensuring that this remarkable tradition endures, growing in spirit and joy for generations to come. As Ramadhan unfurls, the laughter of children fills the air, carrying the legacy of Qaranqasho into a bright and hopeful future.
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