Written by Zahra Hussain
Manama, April 13 (BNA) The blessed month of Ramadan comes with its joy and blessings. And nothing speaks of joy and celebration more than ‘Garqaun’, a Ramadan tradition cherished by young people and celebrated with fanfare by their families.
The streets and neighborhoods of the kingdom sparkle with lights and colorful decorations as children wander from house to house asking for sweets in their traditional packages.
Gargaon is celebrated every year on the night of the 14th of Ramadan throughout the Gulf countries.
The joyous occasion is celebrated as children sing melody music from door to door and collect sweets and treats in their decorated bags. This tradition, rooted for hundreds of years, has been celebrated in various parts of the Gulf region to reward Muslim children for their fasting.
The sweets are known as qarqaun in Bahrain, and under other names throughout the Gulf such as gurkian in Saudi Arabia, qerqean in Kuwait, and hajj al-layl in the emirates.
Girls wear rich, colorful, embroidered galabiyas and gold jewellery, while boys wear traditional Bahraini dresses, jackets and hats. Both proudly embrace tradition and fashion.
Sweets and sweets are the main anticipation for children at night. Historically, children were given dates, rice, wheat, and sugar. Nowadays, the little ones indulge in sweets and nuts.
The village of Qarqaun was marked in the past in villages and neighbourhoods. Nowadays, children and adults celebrate Qarqaun with extravagant arrangements, events, and festivities across the kingdom.
This happy occasion brings family and friends together to play games and celebrate traditional music. Many teenagers and adults dress up as a prey or knight to walk around the neighborhood, singing qarqaun songs and beating traditional drums.
“Gargaon is a national tradition that is here to remind us of our simpler roots,” said Amina, a Bahraini mother.
“We enjoy dressing our kids in traditional clothes as they walk around door to door asking for candy. It takes me back to how we grew up, and we’re happy to see it passed on to our little ones.”
This deeply rooted celebration introduces children to their traditional roots and brings them closer together, and their collaboration honors one of Ramadan’s true values - unity.