The magic of Gargee'an has been bringing together communities throughout Saudi Arabia for centuries, with houses decked out in dazzling lights and music echoing through the streets.
In an Islamic year, there are two occasions for a festival called Gargee'an: 15 Sha'ban and 15 Ramadan.
The Gulf states or the eastern portion of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, are where it is primarily marked. Although it has become common usage to refer to the day itself, the term "Gargee'an" actually refers to the giving of gifts or goods.
Boys and girls dressed in traditional garb, including thobes and ghutras, play door-to-door while singing, trading candy, nuts, especially peanuts, and occasionally small toys.
Sometimes, as the festivities intensify, streets are closed to make walking more secure. A Tubaila, a man or ensemble with drums, usually wanders around the neighbourhood singing traditional songs with families.
The celebration is often held in honour of a new baby or the birth of the oldest kid. Some people may decide to move the celebration up a day or two if it falls on a weekday so that everyone can participate.
More shops are competing with one another for customers by providing special offers, goodie boxes, clothing sets, and treats just for Gargee'an.
At first, neighbours would exchange half of their dry products for one another. As time went on, the focus of the custom shifted to kids.
