Children celebrate Qaranqasho across Muscat

Muscat: With lots of excitement in the air, it was time to celebrate Qaranqasho, a favourite occasion with children once again last night, where they were treated to candy, sweets, games and lots of fun.
Little children were spoilt for choice during various celebrations held across Muscat in malls, parks, hotels and other venues.
Parents also took their children to one of the events out of the dozens held throughout the city, with lots of enthusiasm; some of the events were held at the Qurum Natural Park, the Oman Avenues Mall, Shangri-La’s Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, the Muttrah souq and other popular locales.
As a part of the festivities, children were given sweets and candy, and treated to face painting, balloon art, cartoon characters, games and other fun activities.
The festive event, which focuses on children, is celebrated throughout the Arab world on the night of the 15th day of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Oman, traditionally Qaranqasho was celebrated as a special heritage activity where children would dress up, and go around their neighbourhoods with baskets, singing special songs for sweets or money.
A specific song is sung on this occasion, “Qaranqashoyonas, atonishwayathalwa (O people, Qaranqasho time, give us some sweets please.” It further goes “doosdoos fi almandoos, hara hara fi a’sahara,” where they ask for candy.
Adults welcome the little ones and give them sweets and money; children normally sing another song after that, appreciating their generosity.
However, as times are changing, large organisations: shopping malls, hotels, corporate and government organisations, are holding Qaranqasho events for children in parks, malls and other places.
Sometimes events are also held at different houses in the neighbourhood to gather all the children in one place and let them celebrate with games, gifts and food.