In anticipation of the imminent Ramadan, that is just around the corner, dozens of orphans and children with special needs enjoyed the traditional festivities of Hag El Leila at a special event organized this week by Sharjah Museums Department (SMD).
The event at Sharjah Maritime Museum was laced by a wide variety of workshops, competitions, traditional songs and games. The festivities are held at the museum every year to celebrate Mid of Shaban (Hag El Leila), which is observed in Gulf countries to welcome the holy month of Ramadan.
This marks the sixth successive year that SMD has participated in the festivities, as part of its ‘Because We Care’ social responsibility initiative.
Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, said: “Our main goal for this event is to bring young people together in a community environment to learn about and enjoy an important Emirati tradition.
“It was wonderful to see so many happy youngsters getting so involved in the varied line up of activities. Part of SMD’s mandate is to extend our outreach into the community and reinforce the customs and traditions of Emirati cultural heritage.”
Hag El Laila takes place every mid-Shaaban – about 15 days before the holy month of Ramadan. It typically sees Emirati children in traditional clothes go door-to-door collecting sweets, nuts and treats to fill tote bags known as Kharyta. It also serves to remind children that the most sacred month of the year is very close and that they need to prepare for the spiritual period.
Activities included competitions, entertainment workshops as well as music, songs and traditional Emirati games. The children also received a wide variety of candies and sweets – an important part of the Hag El Laila tradition.
The festivities were put on by SMD in partnership with a variety of organisations, including the Bin Majid Association, the Community Development Authority, Ministry of Social Affairs, and Sharjah Police.
For more information about Sharjah Museums Department, please visit www.sharjahmuseums.ae