Special Report
Beautiful Photos of Ramadan Traditions From Around the World
Published:
From March 22 through April 21 this year, Muslims all over the world are celebrating Ramadan – the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. This is the month in which Muslims believe that God gave Muhammed the Quran, their holy book.
During the month, Muslims fast from sunup to sundown – not even water is allowed – then break their fast each evening with family and friends. Though the central tenets of the holy month are basically the same for all Muslims, celebrations and customs vary around the world. The period ends with the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, literally “the Feast of Breaking the Fast,” a celebration involving prayer and serious eating. (When Ramadan falls in hot months, dehydration can be a serious issue. These are 13 warning signs you’re way too dehydrated.)
24/7 Tempo reviewed photos from Getty Images to compile a collection of images of Ramadan traditions from around the world.
Click here to see beautiful photos of Ramadan traditions from around the world
Since it is observed based on the lunar calendar, the specific dates of Ramadan change each year. In 2021, Ramadan began on April 12 for many, though those in different parts of the world may have started a few days later or earlier, depending on geography.
Each country and community has its own unique traditions for the holy month. In some places, colorful lanterns and fireworks displays are used to light up the night sky. Others use special songs and dances to mark the occasion, while nearly every Muslim nation has its own special dishes for breaking fast. There are nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, making it one of the world’s largest religions.
1. Malaysians mark Ramadan
Mosque staff participate in special prayer during the eve of Ramadan 2020.
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2. China’s Hui Muslims mark Ramadan
Women from the Hui Muslim community in China offer a prayer over the food before they break their fast in Beijing.
3. Iftar In Dubai
Muslims in Dubai break their fast in 2014.
4. Ramadan celebrated in Istanbul
Turkish Muslims break their fast in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
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5. Muslims Attend Friday Prayers At The End Of Ramadan
Muslims in the U.K. attend prayers at a mosque just south of London.
6. Lanterns in Gaza
A young boy sells lamps during Ramadan in Gaza.
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7. Eid ul-Fitr Prayer Held At Manhattan Mosque
Worshippers take to the street outdoors in Manhattan to mark the end of Ramadan.
8. Iftar Is Prepared
Hundreds of meals are prepared for Muslims breaking their fast in London.
9. Police Host Community Ramadan Iftar Dinner
Muslims eat at a police station in South Auckland, New Zealand.
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10. Visually impaired students observe Ramada
Blind Muslims in Indonesia read a Braille Quran.
11. Indonesian Muslims Observe First Day Of Ramadan
In Jakarta, Indonesian Muslims play fire football to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan.
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12. Indonesians Perform Friday Prayers During Ramadan
Muslims in Indonesia practice social distancing during prayers in 2021.
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13. Indian Muslims Gather To Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr
Muslims in New Delhi mark Eid ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.
14. Holy Month of Ramadan In UAE
A vendor in Dubai prepares food for when observants break their fast.
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15. China’s Muslim’s observe Ramadan
Muslims in China break their fast.
16. Ramadan begins in Indonesia
Indonesian Muslims visit the graves of their relatives ahead of Ramadan.
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17. East Jerusalem Adorned With Ramadan Lights
Muslims are out and about in Jerusalem during Ramadan 2011.
18. Indonesian Muslims Mark Eid’l Fitr
Indonesian Muslims pray at the “sea of sands” at Parangkusumo beach in Yogyakarta.
19. Fire Sticks
A Muslim man in Indonesia plays with a fire stick in this long-exposure photo.
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20. Filipino Muslims Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr
A boy holds a balloon amid Eid celebrations in the Philippines.
21. Indonesians Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr
Children parade the streets with torches.
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22. Bangladeshis Celebrate
Bangladeshi Muslims board trains to head home from Ramadan festivities.
23. Indonesians Prepare For The Holy Month Of Ramadan
Indonesian Muslims pray ahead of Ramadan.
24. Indian Muslims Gather
Indian Muslims pray during Eid ul-Fitr prayers at the Feroz Shah Kotla Mosque in New Delhi.
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25. Afghans Celebrate
Afghan men dance to celebrate the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
26. the First Day Of Eid ul-Fitr
Young girls play outside during Ramadan in Kabul.
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28. Muslims Mark End Of Ramadan In Brooklyn
Muslim worshippers gather at Bensonhurst Park in Brooklyn
29. U.S. Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers
Shoes are put off to the side ahead of prayers at a mosque in Connecticut.
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30. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr
Worshippers head into a Mosque in Thailand.
31. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan
Members of a Mosque make donations before they enter a service.
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32. End of Ramadan
Boys eat jaylabee, an Afghani pastry, during Ramadan.
33. Earthquake victims celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr
Even after a devastating earthquake, Pakistani Muslims gather to celebrate Ramadan in 2005.
34. Muslims mark Eid ul-Fitr in Beijing
A man prays as Muslims in Beijing begin Eid ul-Fitr.
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35. An entertainer performs
A man swallows a sword amid festivities for Eid ul-Fitr in Beijing.
36. Eid celebrations mark the end of Ramadan
A large group of Muslims pray.
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37. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr In Dubai
A group gathers in the United Arab Emirates.
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39. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr in London
A girl blows bubbles during an Eid ul-Fitr celebration in London.
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40. Eid ul-Fitr celebration balloons
Children wait for balloons after prayers.
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