London's West End was adorned with 30,000 lights for the first time in history to mark the beginning of Ramadan. Coventry Street, which connects Leicester Square to Piccadilly, was
embellished with "Happy Ramadan" to celebrate the holy month of fasting, which is being observed by around 1.3 million Muslims in the city.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, who is also a Muslim, inaugurated the lights to mark the beginning of the month-long religious observance. The lights were installed by Ayshea Desai, who was motivated by her love for Christmas lights. Her idea was to replicate the magic of the festival by illuminating the streets of London.
Desai said, "I remembered going to visit the Christmas lights with my sister when I was growing up, and I also had an opportunity to live in the Middle East and I wanted to bring that joy and magic to London, the city that I'm from." Desai hoped that the lights would raise awareness about the importance of Ramadan and inform the city's non-Muslim residents about the holy month.
The display has been a source of delight and pride for the Muslim community in London, as they observe the religious practice of fasting during daylight hours. Ramadan is considered to be one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, and it marks the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, water, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
As part of the month-long celebration, various events are being held across London. The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington has erected a pop-up mosque and Ramadan pavilion for Muslims and non-Muslims to celebrate the holy month together. The museum is also hosting an open Iftar, which is the evening meal that Muslims consume to break their fast, and which can be shared with others in the community.
Chelsea Football Club has also announced plans to hold an open Iftar at the side of the pitch at Stamford Bridge, marking the first time that the club has hosted such an event. The club's management hopes to encourage inclusivity and diversity by hosting the Iftar, which is also a first for a Premier League stadium.
Wembley Stadium has also announced plans to hold an open Iftar later in the month, with the aim of bringing the community together to celebrate the holy month. The event is expected to be attended by thousands of people, and it is hoped that it will promote a sense of unity and harmony.
The celebration of Ramadan in the streets of London, through the illuminations, open Iftar events, and pop-up mosques, demonstrates the city's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The events allow non-Muslims to learn about the holy month and share in the celebrations. The lights in the West End have been a beacon of hope, bringing joy and positivity to the city during a difficult time. Photo by ramadanlightsuk, Instagram.