Ramadan in Delhi: A photo feature on faith and festivity

Ramadan in Delhi is a mesmerising fusion of spirituality, community, and festivity, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of devotion. The national capital, known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, comes alive with the spirit of Ramadan as its streets, mosques, and markets radiate energy, offering a unique cultural and culinary experience for both locals and visitors alike.

The most iconic place to witness Ramadan’s grandeur is Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid. As dusk falls, the mosque and its surroundings pulsate with the collective energy of families, friends, and strangers gathered to break their fast together.

Dates, fruits, fritters, kebabs, chana chat, salads and many other traditional delicacies fill large platters laid out in the mosque courtyard, and the resounding Azaan, the evening call to prayer, signals the end of the day’s fast.

Also read: A canvas of climate: Delhi Street Art unveils weather-themed murals

The month of Ramadan also sees a significant increase in the number of women visiting the grand mosque. The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of unity and shared spirituality, as people from all walks of life come together in worship and festivity.

The sense of community is further reinforced by the tradition of sharing meals with those in need, a beautiful reflection of Ramadan’s emphasis on generosity and compassion.

 

For Abdullah Pathan and his friends, visiting Jama Masjid for Iftar was a long awaited dream. Hailing from Uttarakhand, Abdullah shared, “We wanted to break our fast here for a long time, and today, we finally made it.”

The significance of such a moment is not lost on the thousands of people who flock to the mosque to partake in this sacred tradition. The sense of togetherness is palpable, with people from different backgrounds sharing a meal and a prayer.

 

Mohammad Shafie, another visitor, said, “I watched reels of Jama Masjid during Iftar on Instagram, and now we’ve travelled from Kashmir in this holy month for some work and have explored Delhi during Ramadan. We are so happy and love to see this atmosphere.”

Beyond the mosque, the streets of Old Delhi turn into food havens. Vendors set up stalls offering crispy fritters, freshly prepared Biryani, juicy Kababs, fried chicken, and an array of street food that draws people from all corners of the city.

The narrow lanes, lined with colourful lights, become a feast for the senses, with the aroma of sizzling food filling the air. After Iftar, the markets remain bustling, staying open until late hours as people shop for essentials and festive items.

Another striking feature of Ramadan in Delhi is the Tarawih prayers, which take place every evening after Iftar. These special nightly prayers bring together thousands of devotees who stand shoulder to shoulder, their voices harmonising in the rhythmic recitation of the Quran.

The atmosphere in the mosques is deeply spiritual, as people unite in devotion and humility.

Another must-visit spot during Ramadan is the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin, which hosts the biggest Iftar congregation in the city.

While the 13th-century Dargah serves langar every day, the celebrations become grander during Ramadan, when it receives far more visitors from various faiths.

Also read: Amrit Udyan: A floral retreat in the heart of Delhi

It is believed that the Dargah of the Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya has been offering grand community Iftar to devotees for nearly 700 years.