Sharjah Museums Department to mark – Hag Al Leila – with host of activities
Almasalla Travel News – Ashraf El gedawy – Preparations for Ramadan begin with a night-time celebration midway through the month of Shaban. In line with its vision to preserve the UAE’s cultural heritage and customs, Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) has announced an exciting line-up for entertainment.
Known as ‘Hag Al Leila’, Mid-Sha’ban is the 15th day of the eighth month (Sha’ban) of the Islamic lunar calendar. This much-anticipated and important event brings great joy and happiness to children and families across the Gulf and also unites community members.
Families in the UAE are getting ready by stocking up on sweets and nuts from local stores. Mothers and grandmothers are also busy sewing eye-catching and creative candy tote bags called Al Kharareet, which they give to their children and grandchildren and as the children walk through the streets in their traditional clothes, their voices can be heard singing: "Give us and Allah will reward you".
On the occasion of Hag Al Leila, the children are dressed in new clothes before the Al Asr prayer. Girls wear brightly coloured, embroidered dresses known as jalabiyas, while boys don a white kandora with a colourful vest. They then go from door-to-door around their local neighborhood, filling their bags with treats. Families that give sweets are met with delighted smiles and friendly competitions are held to see who can collect the most.
SMD’s annual Mid Sha’ban event will take place on 22 June 2013 at the Sharjah Heritage Museum -Heart of Sharjah from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. The evening will include various activities such as a bubble show, theatre programme, guest Emirati actors, Heritage Friends group, traditional food corner, henna corner, cartoon characters, children’s workshops, face painting and a street market. Sweets will be handed out to guests and there will also be competitions for the best traditional dish, best attire and best bag.
A number of bodies are participating in the event, including Sharjah Police, Sharjah Municipality, Emirates Scout Association (Sharjah Scout Commission), Mawalif team, Sharjah Co-operative Society, Al Liwan Caf? and Al Siyabi Omani Sweets.
WAM/AM
