Growing up in Karachi, my earliest memories of Ramazan are filled with the aroma of mouthwatering food and the iftari sent by neighbors, which we eagerly waited for....
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Growing up in Karachi, my earliest memories of Ramazan are filled with the aroma of mouthwatering food and the iftari sent by neighbors, which we eagerly waited for. Mom used to send iftari to our neighbours and relatives as well, and they probably waited for iftari from our house too. Then came the iftar dinner parties at relatives’ houses! The entire family would gather and sit down to a lavish iftari. After Maghrib prayers, dinner was served immediately, as people had to leave for Taraweeh prayers.
My father’s job changed, and his company began sending him to different places every two to three years. That was when I truly experienced the full scope of diversity. Imagine spending each Ramazan in a different place, discovering how cultures across the globe infuse this sacred month with unique customs, mouthwatering foods, and a sense of togetherness that makes it unforgettable.
Everywhere we went, we experienced the culture of that place during Ramazan in its full glory. Of course, Ramazan is a time of deep spirituality, self-discipline, and devotion, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the holy month! Beyond fasting and prayers, Ramazan is also an experience—one filled with warmth, traditions, and celebrations that vary from one country to another.
Enjoy Ramazan, wherever you are in the world.
In Cairo, Ramazan nights are anything but quiet. The streets light up with colorful lanterns known as fanoos, a tradition dating back to the Fatimid era. Walking through the bustling Khan El Khalili market, you’ll hear the rhythmic beats of tabla (drums) as the mesaharati walks around before dawn, waking people up for sehri with his chants. After iftar, the city buzzes with life—cafés stay open late, families gather over plates of kunafa and qatayef, and the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.
Istanbul is the place to be during Ramazan. The azan (call to prayer) echoing from the Blue Mosque at sunset is an experience to die for. Turkish people are known for their hospitality and customarily mosques and public squares host iftar feasts for all—locals and travelers alike. Traditional dishes like pide (a Ramazan-special flatbread), güllaç (a delicate dessert soaked in milk and rosewater), and endless cups of tea are on offer for everyone to enjoy. Believe it, folks, the Turkish Ramazan experience is simply delightful. Post-iftar, the city transforms completely. People come out in large numbers to enjoy Ramazan serbeti (a refreshing fruit drink) while engaging in cheerful conversations.
In Jakarta, Ramazan begins with Dugderan, a festival featuring parades, fireworks, and drum performances. The communal spirit is strong, with mosques hosting iftars for anyone who wishes to join. The highlight are the Pasar Takjil—street markets that pop up in the evenings, offering delicacies like kolak (banana and coconut milk dessert) and martabak (stuffed pancakes). The nights are spent in lively discussions, spiritual reflections, and sometimes, spontaneous gatherings at tea stalls that last till suhoor.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a unique Ramazan experience, blending Emirati traditions with global influences. Luxury hotels host extravagant iftars, but the real charm lies in the street feasts and neighborhood gatherings where everyone, regardless of background, is welcomed. Ramazan tents serve an endless variety of dishes, from Emirati harees to Lebanese mezze. Shopping malls and cultural centers organize storytelling sessions, camel races, and charity drives, making Ramazan not just a time of fasting but also of celebration.
In the historic medinas of Fez and Marrakech, the sound of the nafar (a man playing a long trumpet) signals the start of suhoor, a practice unchanged for centuries. As the sun sets, families gather around steaming bowls of harira (a rich soup), breaking their fast with dates and honey-drizzled pastries. Ramazan nights are best spent in traditional qaouas (tea houses), where storytelling, poetry, and quiet contemplation create a sense of peace. The beauty of Ramazan in Morocco is its balance between devotion and celebration.
In Kuala Lumpur, Ramazan is marked by buka puasa (breaking the fast) at mosques and lively street markets selling fragrant dishes like nasi lemak and satay. The teraweeh prayers are beautifully recited in mosques, while the city’s Ramazan bazaars offer a fusion of Malay, Indian, and Chinese culinary delights. One of the most heartwarming aspects is the practice of giving—many Malaysians prepare extra meals and leave them at roadside stalls for anyone in need.
Sarajevo during Ramazan is a sight to behold. Lantern-lit streets, warm iftar gatherings, and the iconic cannon shot from the Yellow Fortress marking the end of the fast add to the charm. Traditional dishes like burek (savory pastry) and sutlijaš (rice pudding) bring families together. Late-night strolls in Bašcaršija, sipping Bosnian coffee, and engaging in heartfelt discussions make Ramazan here both intimate and special.
In Dakar, Ramazan is a time of unity and spirituality. Families gather around large communal bowls of thieboudienne (a flavorful rice and fish dish) and share their meals with neighbours. The nights are filled with dhikr (remembrance of God) circles, and the streets echo with Quranic recitations. The simplicity of Ramazan in Senegal, with its emphasis on faith and community, is a refreshing contrast to the more commercialized celebrations elsewhere.
It is a dream of all Muslims to spend their Ramazan in Saudi Arabia. We all consider ourselves blessed if we get the chance to pray in the harmain in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The spiritual energy is unparalleled as thousands gather for taraweeh prayers at the Kaaba and Masjid-e-Nabvi. Streets come alive with the scent of fried items, dates, and laban, served generously to fasting individuals. Despite the long fasting hours, the sense of unity among Muslims from different corners of the world is heartwarming. Even beyond the holy cities, in places like Jeddah or Riyadh, Ramazan bazaars and traditional majlis gatherings create a festive yet serene ambiance.
Ramazan in Pakistan is filled with generosity. Streets are lined with dastarkhwans—public dining spreads where volunteers serve iftar to anyone in need. The food culture is a highlight, with samosas, pakoras, and kachoris being the stars of the evening. After taraweeh, the atmosphere shifts to a festive one, with families heading to night bazaars for late-night shopping and of course to enjoy the scrumptious food in food streets and food outlets. Many people complete the day with a cup of Peshawari ic cream, falooda or lassi depending where you live. The tea dhabas – fondly known as Pathan ki chai - remain open all the night and people stop at these dhabas for tea which is only available in Pakistan. The generosity and kindnesss in Pakistan during Ramazan is truly heart-touching.
There are many other countries to explore and enjoy, and I hope you get the chance to travel and experience the novelty of Ramazan in other cultures as well. Here are a few tips to make your Ramazan experience in other countries more enjoyable…
* Embrace the localt traditions. Whether it’s enjoying an iftar meal with locals in Istanbul or experiencing the lantern-lit nights of Cairo, immerse yourself in each culture’s unique way of celebrating.
* Try the special foods: Each country has its Ramazan specialties—don’t miss out on Morocco’s harira, Malaysia’s nasi lemak, or jalebi for those visiting Pakistan.
* Participate in community events: Many cities have public iftars, charity drives, and cultural events that welcome visitors with open arms.
* Explore Ramazan bazaars: From Dubai’s lavish Ramazan tents to Jakarta’s street markets, these places offer incredible food, handcrafted goods, and a festive atmosphere.
* Reflect and connect: Ramazan is a time for both personal reflection and community bonding. Take moments to appreciate the generosity, kindness, and unity that define this sacred month.
Ramazan is not just about fasting; it’s about experiencing faith, culture, and human connection in the most beautiful ways. Whether you’re in the heart of Makkah or a quiet Moroccan tea house, each country brings something unique to this holy month. So, if you ever get the chance to spend Ramazan in different parts of the world, don’t miss it—because no matter where you go, the essence of Ramazan remains the same: faith, generosity and joy.
