Holiday Centre Mall invites parents and kids in lantern painting competition and religious singing contest

Dubai, 18th October 2006 - Children will honor a cultural tradition attributed to the origin of fanoos, or lanterns hung during the holy month of Ramadan in a lantern painting competition and religious singing contest. The event will be held on Thursday, October 19 at the Holiday Centre Hall, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Children from all ages are invited to join freely in various talent competitions, in observance of the Ramadan. The lantern painting competition will be conducted simultaneously with the religious painting contest, while kids in choir groups perform religious songs as part of the singing competition.

"This activity commemorates the important role of children during Ramadan. In ancient times, the fanoos is very significant in lighting the streets for women who visit their relatives to break their fast. It is believed that a boy used to carry this lantern to light their path and announce their arrival to men who might be visible in the area during those times. It is an interesting time to remember how the lives of women and children have changed since then," said Ms. Banu Tas, Holiday Centre Operations Manager.

Fanoos is a type of lantern considered as the traditional symbol of Ramadan. This lantern tradition during the Ramadan is believed to have originated in Egypt, attributing it to the tradition during the reign of Fatimid Caliph. While there are several stories behind the origin of fanoos, it has become a tradition for children to light fanoos during Ramadan and sing songs of "Wahaww ya wahaww", which means the light of fire.

In the past, fanoos is made of copper and brass but now the traditional fanoos is commonly made of recycled tin and colored glass. As it is passed from generation to generation, various colors, hues and designs of lanterns and lamps have become popular among children playing out in the streets during Ramadan, singing and swinging their lanterns.

"We would like to keep alive an ancient tradition that has become part of Ramadan by giving these children a chance to be creative. This is also a perfect opportunity for them to observe Ramadan. They might not have to fast, but certainly, they have a role to play during this holy month," commented Ms. Tas.

Parents, whose kids are interested to join the competition can contact April at 04-331 8646 or call Maria Indah at 04-2826411. 

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© Press Release 2006