The holy month of Ramadan entrenched in culture, history and faith, is welcomed with much excitement and delight every year.
This year, Ramadan has begun on the evening of Sunday, 5th May 2019 and will conclude on 4th June with Eid al-Fitr.
This is how the world celebrates the holy month of Ramadan with various rituals and customs:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
About two weeks before Ramadan, UAE starts its celebrations with Haq Laila — a form of trick or treat. During this, children go around the neighbourhood to collect sweets and nuts in tote bags known as Kharita.
Indonesia
In Java, Indonesia, Muslims observe a purifying ritual before Ramadan — known as Padusan wherein they dive into springs. This unique ritual is said to purify the soul, mind and body before embarking on fasting.
Maldives
Ramadan is locally known as Roadha Mas in Maldives and the post-iftar celebrations at this place are known for its uniqueness and positivity. This ritual sees recitation of Raivaru (Ramadan related poetry) by poets after iftar.
Book FlightsLebanon
To signal the end of day’s fast, cannons are fired every day during the month of Ramadan in Lebanon. This tradition also known as Midfa Al Iftar began 200 years ago in Egypt. The ritual is observed in a number of countries across the Middle East.
Morocco
During the month of Ramadan, a town crier (called as nafar) roams around the streets of Morocco dressed in a traditional attire (gondola, slippers and a hat). The nafar is elected by the people of the town and his main duty includes blowing a horn to wake people up for suhoor.
India
Just like Morocco and Turkey, the seheriwalas of Delhi, walk the streets of the city, chanting the name of Allah to wake up Muslims for suhoor. This centuries-old practice is carried out in the wee hours of the morning in parts of Old Delhi with major Muslim population.
Egypt
Muslims in Egypt welcome Ramadan with colourful and intricate lanterns to symbolise the happiness and peace throughout the holy month. Taking on a spiritual significance, this tradition is culturally important and is strongly associated with Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak, everyone 🙂
