Dubai To mark Hag Al Laila and raise awareness of the UAE’s traditions, entities across Dubai and Sharjah are holding a number of events for Friday’s celebration.
Hag Al Laila, which means ‘For this Night’, is an annual traditional event that is celebrated to mark the arrival of the month of Ramadan. On the 15th day of the month of Sha’aban, children dress in traditional clothes and visit homes in their neighbourhood to collect sweets and treats.
The tradition is celebrated across the Muslim community. It is also referred to by different names, and is celebrated mid-Sha’aban. In Qatar it is called Garangao; in Bahrain it is called Gergaoon; in Oman it is called Garangesho, and in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, it is called Gargean.
Speaking on the video clip made by du, Hala Badri, Executive Vice-President, Brand Communication of du, said: “Our Hag Al Laila production brings the joy of the celebration into homes across the UAE, while also serving as an educational message for families who are unfamiliar with this tradition.” The video can be seen on http://www.youtube.com/user/theduchannel.
As children visit their neighbours, they sing a traditional song ‘Atoona Allah yaa’teekoum bet Makah yewadeekoum,’ which means ‘Give to us and God will give to you, and, with His grace, you will visit Makkah’.
As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) and to promote a culture of volunteering, more than 35 employees visited the Rashid Paeditric Centre and distributed sweets to the children.
Sharjah Ladies Club also organised its annual Our Heritage activity celebration, which included henna painting, pottery painting, face painting, sand painting, and some heritage-themed games inspired by the local environment. The activity took place at the club’s Kunooz ballroom in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Information’s Directorate of Heritage and the Department of Children’s Centres.
