We are all celebrating Ramadan this year from March 22 to April 21, 2023, with Allah’s blessings.
This is a peaceful festival celebrated by all Indians, not just Muslims.
Let us interact about Ramadan
MEANING:
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community by Muslims worldwide. The sighting of the new moon determines the start and end of Ramadan.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, and the month of Ramadan is considered a blessed and holy month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
IMPORTANCE:
Ramadan is observed by Muslims as a time of spiritual purification and renewal, during which they strive to strengthen their connection with God through acts of worship, charity, and compassion.
Ramadan allows Muslims to deepen their faith, connect with their community, and draw closer to God through acts of worship, self-reflection, and service to others.
WAYS OF CELEBRATION:
💚Fasting: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset each day, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal called Iftar, which is often shared with family and friends.
💚Prayer: Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of worship during Ramadan, including daily prayers and Quran recitation. Many Muslims also attend Tarawih, or nightly congregational prayers, which are held in mosques throughout the month.
💚Charity: Ramadan is a time when Muslims are encouraged to donate to those in need, such as the poor, the homeless, and the hungry. During Ramadan, many mosques and Islamic organisations organise food drives and other charitable activities.
💚Ramadan is a time for Muslims to gather in community and fellowship, with many gathering for Iftar meals and Tarawih prayers. Ramadan’s communal aspect fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims all over the world.
Ramadan culminates in the Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the month-long fast. On this day, Muslims usually gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and share festive meals.
GROUP OF MUSLIM CELEBRATION :
💚There are several schools of thought within Sunni Islam, which represents the majority of the world’s Muslim population, that may have slightly different Ramadan practises and interpretations of Islamic teachings. Similarly, within Shia Islam, there are several sects, each with their own Ramadan traditions and practises.
💚Sufi Muslims, who are known for their emphasis on spirituality and mysticism, frequently place a special emphasis on the inward aspects of Ramadan, such as spiritual awareness and heart purification.
Regardless of these differences, Ramadan is a unifying event for Muslims worldwide, bringing people together in a shared experience of devotion, reflection, and community.
CUISINE:
💚Dates: A staple food during Ramadan, dates are often eaten to break the fast because they are high in natural sugars and provide a quick source of energy.
💚Samosas and Pakoras: During Ramadan, samosas and pakoras are popular appetisers. These savoury snacks are usually made with potatoes, onions, and a variety of spices before being deep-fried until crispy and golden.
💚Haleem is a rich and flavorful meat stew that is traditionally consumed during Ramadan. It is made with various meats, lentils, and spices and is slow-cooked for several hours to achieve a thick, hearty texture.
💚Biryani is a traditional Indian rice dish that is frequently served during Ramadan. It’s made with fragrant basmati rice, spices, and either meat or vegetables.
💚Falooda is a sweet and refreshing beverage made with milk, rose syrup, and vermicelli noodles. During Ramadan, it is frequently served as a dessert.
💚Sweets: Sweets are an important part of Ramadan, with many different types of desserts consumed throughout the month. Baklava, qatayef (stuffed pancakes), and basbousa (semolina cake) are some popular sweets.
HOLY PLACES IN INDIA:
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💚Jama Masjid, Delhi: Located in the heart of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest and most famous mosques. Thousands of worshippers gather here for prayers, including the special Tarawih prayers held every night during Ramadan, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims.
💚Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan: Ajmer Sharif is a well-known Sufi shrine in the Rajasthan city of Ajmer. It is the final resting place of the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and draws millions of devotees from around the world, particularly during Ramadan.
💚Dargah Hazratbal, Srinagar: The Hazratbal Shrine is located in Srinagar, India’s summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is regarded as one of India’s holiest shrines, housing a sacred hair of the Prophet Muhammad. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine during Ramadan to offer prayers and seek blessings.
💚Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai: The Haji Ali Dargah is a well-known mosque and shrine in Mumbai that overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is dedicated to the memory of the Muslim saint Haji Ali and is a popular Ramadan pilgrimage destination for Muslims.
💚The Charminar in Hyderabad is a well-known landmark and mosque in the city’s heart. During Ramadan, it is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims, with many devotees flocking here to pray and seek blessings.
STATE-WISE RAMADAN CELEBRATION:
💚Hyderabad is well-known for its delectable Ramadan cuisine, including the popular Haleem, a rich and flavorful meat stew traditionally eaten during Ramadan.
💚Lucknow, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its elegant and refined Ramadan cuisine, including the famous Galouti Kebab, a melt-in-your-mouth meat dish that foodies must try.
💚Mumbai has a large and active Muslim community, and Ramadan is celebrated with a variety of festive activities such as street food markets, cultural performances, and nightly Tarawih prayers.
💚Kerala, located in southern India, is well-known for its distinctive and flavorful Ramadan cuisine, which combines local ingredients and spices with Islamic culinary traditions.
COUNTRY-WISE RAMADAN CELEBRATION:
💚Mecca: The holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of Islam, Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia. During Ramadan, millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to participate in the Umrah pilgrimage, which includes visiting the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and performing other religious rites.
💚Istanbul is known for its vibrant Ramadan celebrations, which include nightly street festivals and bazaars where locals and visitors alike can enjoy traditional foods and drinks, listen to music, and socialise.
💚Cairo: Cairo, Egypt, is well-known for its colourful and lively Ramadan celebrations, which include special street food and nightly Ramadan tents where people can gather to break their fast while listening to music and enjoying entertainment.
💚Kuala Lumpur is known for its vibrant Ramadan bazaars and markets, where locals and tourists can sample a variety of traditional foods and drinks, including the popular dish Nasi Lemak.
💚Jakarta has the world’s largest Muslim population, and Ramadan is celebrated with a variety of festive activities such as street parades, cultural performances, and nightly markets.