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Celebrating childhood spirit the Kuwaiti way
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) It was an evening of nuts, sweets, chocolates, balloons and of children, as Arabic folk songs in the background provided a perfect setting for a festival that is an integral part of Kuwaiti society. 

As Muslims the world over observe the holy month of Ramadan, it was time for the capital to witness a Kuwaiti way to celebrate the spirit of childhood through a festival called "Guirgiyan".

"Guirgiyan", which literally means noisy knock on the door, is a festival for children that falls in the middle of Ramadan. Children in traditional attire, singing songs, go to the neighbourhood collecting nuts and sweets and wishing everyone "happy Guirgiyan".

Though the festival "Guirgiyan" is celebrated during Ramadan, there is nothing very religious about it. It has more to do with the collective spirit of children that crosses the barriers of religion and community.

"This festival is not a religious one. Children of any faith and community can enjoy it. It's a time for children to get together and go around in their neighborhood spreading the message of love," Musaed Al-Thuwaikh, charge-de-affair, Kuwait embassy told IANS at the celebration of the festival at Ashok Hotel here Friday evening.

"There are many Kuwaiti children who are here because of their parents' jobs. It is an opportunity for them to celebrate the festival that they enjoy back home and also to show it to their Indian friends," said Mahammad H.M. Al-Badah, director, Kuwait Information Office, who was instrumental in organizing the festival here.

Indian children joined their Kuwaiti friends in the celebration, as they were gifted with customary goodies such as chocolates and toys.

"It is good to be in India and we celebrate the festival here also as there are many families from Kuwait. But, I miss home during 'Guirgiyan'," said Maryam, a class six student in the American Embassy School here. 

"We tell our friends from India and other countries about 'Guirgiyan' and we also have got to know about their festivals. We enjoy festivals like Diwali," said Maryam.