With Howling Success and Entertaining Activities, QATAR YOUTH HOSTELS ROUNDS OFF RAMADAN MAL LAWAL

The Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH) Association rounded off the Mal Lawal Heritage Exhibition, organized in participation with the Department of Public Libraries and Heritage, Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCS), held on Ramadan 12-13 at the QYH premises in Luqata area. The Exhibition manifested artefacts of ancient Qatar legacy, beside henna and imprinting artistries, which received a high turnout by the beloved little ones, given gifts and treats at Garangao Night during the two-day Exhibition.

“The Exhibition distinctly manifested all forms of traditional old-fashioned craftsmanship, derived from the Qatari legacy. The Ministry of Culture and Sports, hand in hand with QYH Association, was mainly keen on connecting the coming generations with, and reminding them of the history of their ancestors. This is a great mission all organizations should attempt to accomplish and implant in the hearts first, and minds second, of the next generations.”, said Ms. Amal Mubarak Al Ali, Head of the Department Heritage Events and Occasions, MCS. “Exhibition pavilions, dedicated for showcasing folklore cuisine, folklore clothing, henna imprints and other miscellaneous crafts, confirm the fact that the Exhibition met its expected target through its manifestations for both adults and children, involving heritage traditional craftsmanship, henna, and Garangao gifts and treats given to children who partook on the occasion of the Middle Night of Ramadan”.

“Interest in the ancient heritage of Qatar is a cultural pillar of the State.”, said Masoud Al Sulaiti, an Official Heritage Expert, MCS, expressing his gratitude and giving his sincere thanks to the QYH Association for outstandingly organizing the exhibition, who received an incomparable turnout. “The exhibition showcased folklore craftsmanship and cuisine, and Garangao gifts were also given. This, in turn, stresses the dedicated mission of the Ministry and the Association to take care of whatsoever may connect generations with heritage, customs and traditions”.

“These events, creating a linking loop between generations and the ancient cultural heritage, customs and traditions of Qatar, entrench values ​​and recall the history of ancestors for generations through multiple ancient heritage arts and crafts, demonstrated in the Exhibition, e.g. henna, old jewelry and ornaments, folklore cuisine and clothing, miscellaneous handicrafts. Through its exhibits, this opulent exhibition was in the focus and recognition of everyone.”, said Ms. Amina Al Baloushi. “Exerted efforts and good organization of the Exhibition confirm the QYH Association recognition of and interest in the old heritage in all its forms. This is a mission that directs all thanks to the QYH Association, which is well honored and recognized by everyone for its multiple activities and prominent contributions directed towards the youth for helping them reach their vision, mission, Self-actualization and excellence”.

The QYH Association deliberately scheduled the Exhibition on Ramadan 12-13 in order to get the visitors and children connected with the distinctive Garangao Night, a heritage night held to revive the Qatari and Gulf legacy and to remind the children of the folk customs and traditions of clothing and other events, along with giving different favorite types of treats and nuts to children.

The Exhibition also featured the embroidery craft i.e. trimmings of male and female traditionally worn garments. It is an old-rooted trade in the region. The Darzi, the trimmer, manually trims the clothing with colored, gold and silver strings, called Naqda.

The art of Henna was exhibited, as well. It has been practiced by a pigmentary specialist, Khadabah, who hennas the bride’s palm and feet, in a process called Henna Dough Making. It uses flour to make a dough, formed as threads, made as beautiful geometric patterns and stuck in the palms and feet. Henna is then placed on the whole palms and feet to cover the pre-decorated dough. Henna was a magnet to both children and adults in the Exhibition.

Furthermore, folklore cuisine was strongly manifested in the exhibition. It involved the indigenous cuisine of many popular dishes e.g. Thareed, Harees, Harees Soup, Mehamer, Madrouba, Marquqa, Kabbab Al Nakhi, Balalait and Khanfrush.

Activities of the QYH Association will be carried on during the remaining days of the Holy Month, including Iftar Saem, Feed a Fasting Person, presented every day at QYH premises in Luqata, along with many other cultural events. Young people are also encouraged to take advantage of all the distinct cultural and social activities and events, delivered by the Association.