Girgian is a vibrant and joyful traditional celebration that takes place during Ramadan, usually marked on the 13th, 14th and 15th days of the holy month. It is mainly observed in Gulf countries and holds significant religious, cultural and social importance.

To celebrate Girgian, children walk around neighborhoods wearing colorful traditional clothes and carry beautifully decorated bags to collect treats while singing traditional Girgian songs. Households prepare special Girgian bags filled with candy, nuts, toys and sometimes a small amount of money to give to the visiting children.

A middle-aged Kuwaiti woman, Um Ali, elaborated to Kuwait Times on the origins of Girgian: “The exact day of Girgian is in the middle of the month of Ramadan, specifically on the 15th day of this holy month. However, celebrations begin a few days earlier, starting on the 13th day of Ramadan and continue until the 19th; hence, about a week of celebrations,” she said.

A boy carries a basket full of Girgian treats. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Colorful Girgian dresses for girls.

Girgian bags filled with treats.

Girgian toys

Girgean baskets, to be filled with treats and distributed to visiting children

A woman buys Girgian dresses at Souq Mubarakiya.

Um Ali also spoke about the origins of the event. “The word ‘Girgian’ comes from the phrase ‘Qurat Ayn’, meaning the ‘apple of the eye’, based on what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to say when his first grandson Hassan (RA) was born on the 15th of Ramadan. The Prophet (PBUH) would carry Hassan (RA) and visit the neighbors, telling them he is the apple of his eye and distributing sweets to them in joy. This tradition has endured from that time until today, where we celebrate in Kuwait and other GCC countries. Children go on the streets in their neighborhoods singing traditional songs and asking for sweets from their neighbors,” she explained.

According to late Kuwaiti historian and astronomer Saleh Al-Ujairi, the word Girgian is derived from the word “gargaa”, which refers to the loud clanging sound heard when a household pot made of metal is struck. There’s another reason why Girgian is celebrated in the middle of the lunar month. In pre-oil – and pre-electricity Kuwait – the full moon would provide illumination for the children to trudge across the neighborhood.

A vendor displays Girgian items.

Children in Girgian clothing.

Girgian bags in the shape of traditional children's clothes

Girgean dishdasha and vest for boys.

Girgean gifts in the shape of cooking pots, covered with traditional fabric.

Girgian dresses with matching Girgian bags used for collecting treats.

Girls wear colorful Girgian clothing.

A little girl shows her Ramadan bag and dress.

Mariam Dashti, a mother of three, spoke about the value of keeping this tradition alive and passing it down from one generation to another. “Girgian manifests our cultural values, as it shows our generosity and unity, especially since it cannot be celebrated individually. Families, neighbors and friends have to come together to experience a proper Girgian,” she pointed out.

“I must admit that I am sad to see a decrease in the number of children walking and singing around the neighborhoods in the last few years. In the past, the neighborhoods were filled with the singing of children. However, we cannot deny that Girgian is taking on a new form that has never been seen before. The clothes, bags, decorations and distributions have become beautiful, giving the experience of Girgian a magnificent taste,” Dashti noted. She added that with Ramadan beginning to arrive in moderate weather in Kuwait, perhaps children will return to singing in the streets in the coming years.