Ramadan Kareem and Qaranqasho

Here we go again, it's Ramadan in Oman once again. This will be my 7th one here in Oman - I hope you all have a good one. I've never really understood why, but much like Christmas Tree's in shops everywhere at Christmas, in supermarkets here for Ramadan it's Vimto pyramids, and the obligatory multi-pack offers on Foster Clarks cake and jelly mixes.

A Vimto pyramid

For those observing Ramadan, I hope the summer heat doesn't make it too hard for you, and for those not observing Ramadan, make an effort to keep your consumption out of sight, and smell(!) of those who are fasting.

Now, a Dubai based film company emailed me last night asking if I could ask here on the blog to help them out. They're making a documentary about Qaranqasho and are looking for Omani families with kids to feature in their film. Qaranqasho, also sometimes known as garangashooh or Al-Talbah is, in its basic form, essentially Halloween. Kids run around neighbourhoods on the middle night of Ramadan (14th night) and ask their neighbours for candy. The apparently sing a song which when translated goes like this:

“Qaranqasho, O’ people, give us candy –
[So we may] stuff our mandoos (a chest used to store things),
while we go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood”

It ends if candy is offered, or else the song continues:
“[May a] Chinese lady appear infront of your house,
and a female demon in your backyard,”

I found that explanation on Noorjan's blog (seems to be semi-retired now) - also she goes on to say that if candy isn't offered, eggs or tomatoes get thrown! Not really sure why it's a Chinese lady either!

Anyway - below is the message from Eva at Veritas Films:

Looking for Omani families for Qaranqasho documentary! Please contact me ASAP!

Veritas Films is looking for Omani families who will celebrate Qaranqasho and who are interested to be filmed in our documentary with at least one of their children to describe the experience. This will be a very positive and fun film, for Arabic children and their families to watch together to learn about this tradition, how it is celebrated throughout the gulf, and how the tradition has changed over the generations. Please nominate yourself or pass this info to your friends or family ASAP (today, 10th July). We will discuss the project by phone, come to meet you soon, and then film in mid-Ramadan. Please contact Veritas Films ASAP on eva@veritasfilms.ae.

le fin.