A favored pastime tradition that is cherished by children and adults alike, Gergean comes as a time of great bliss, happiness, a shared celebration of joy, faith and compassion.
For those who aren’t familiar with the concept of Gergean, it is a festive heritage in many Arabian Gulf countries, and it usually takes place between the 13th and 15th nights of the holy month of Ramadan. Welcoming the last ten days of the month, a celebrated occurrence and a time of forgiveness, the bangs and loud clapping noises of children bearing metal pots are the sounds of ‘karka’a’ or ‘garga’a’, and this also marks the upcoming celebrations of Eid Al Fitr. Dressing up in their finest traditional clothes, children wander around their neighborhoods, gleefully singing joyous songs as they knock on their neighbors’ doors seeking treats and candy in exchange for a song. To this day, everyone eagerly awaits Gergean, as adults recount their youthful experiences of Gergean and children embrace a new tradition.
The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is no stranger to this wondrous occasion and tradition, and held a Gergean event at the NBK Hospital at Sabah Medical district to share with the children the happy moments of Gergean and present them with felicitations and gifts. The happy tradition shouldn’t be lost to sick children who couldn’t physically be with their neighbors to celebrate the act of Gergean.
The meaning of Gergean goes beyond its physical borders, for sharing music, felicitations, and sweets can be carried out anywhere, as long as there is a group to share the festivities. This great group included the NBK Public Relations Team and a number of NBK staff members who wished to join in on the fun. Commenting on the occasion Manal Al Mattar, NBK Public Relations Executive Manager stated: “Sharing with sick children residing at NBK Hospital on major social and religious occasions comes as part of an extensive social outreach program specifically mapped out and implemented by NBK.” Al Mattar explained that helping sick children and their families is an integral part of the bank’s culture and practices that reflect its deep commitment to its corporate social responsibility. This was the main reason that led NBK to build its children hospital at Sabah Medical district many years ago.
A gesture that embodies NBK’s corporate social responsibility ethos, it is also one that is both traditional and spiritual. More importantly, NBK’s visit to the hospital was emotional and overwhelming for both the children and the NBK Team, and remains to be a well rooted tradition that has been carried out by NBK each year in its efforts to continuously have an active role in Kuwaiti society.
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