Being a Dubai kid myself, there’s only two ways I know how Ramadan is celebrated – how it’s done in UAE and how it’s done in India. But that got me thinking… what about the rest of the world? How do different cultures mark this holy month? If you’ve ever wondered the same, then would you be interested in taking a quick little tour of the World with me? Come along, and let’s find out together how different countries celebrate the same occasion we know and love here in UAE – Ramadan!
Also read: Dubai: Delicious Iftar & Suhoor Deals To Enjoy This Ramadan
Egypt
Ramadan in Egypt is a vibrant and colourful celebration, thanks to the beautiful fanous lanterns that light up the streets. These lanterns, a symbol of joy and festivity, have a history dating back to the Fatimid Caliphate (10th–12th century). As the story goes, when the Caliphate visited Cairo on the first day of Ramadan, people lit candles to guide his way. Over time, these candles transformed into the intricate and colorful lanterns we see today. Children often carry them while singing and asking for sweets, adding to the festive spirit of the season.
Indonesia
Indonesia has its own unique Ramadan traditions, starting with padusan, a cleansing ritual where people bathe in natural pools or springs before the holy month begins. This practice is believed to purify both body and soul in preparation for fasting and prayer. Another important tradition is nyekar, which comes from Javanese culture. This involves visiting the graves of loved ones to pray and reflect, symbolising a fresh start as Ramadan marks a new cycle of life.
Iraq
Iraq add a playful twist to their Ramadan with a centuries-old game called Mheibes. Every night after iftar, men gather in neighbourhoods to play this traditional game. It involves two teams – each with up to 250 players – taking turns to hide a ring. The other team has to guess who’s holding it. This simple yet strategic game has been passed down for generations and is a beloved part of Iraq’s Ramadan nights.
Lebanon
One of the oldest and most exciting Ramadan traditions in Lebanon is midfa al iftar – the firing of a cannon to signal the end of the fasting day. Though it actually originated in Egypt by accident (when a ruler mistakenly fired a cannon at sunset), the practice quickly became a daily ritual. Today, Lebanon even has dedicated historical cannons just for this purpose, and the booming sound continues to be a much-anticipated moment throughout the month. (And if you didn’t know, you can witness this longstanding tradition too, right here in Dubai)
Also read: Dubai: 24 Locations To Witness Ramadan Cannons
South Africa
For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan officially ends when the crescent moon is spotted, but in South Africa, this duty is reserved for a special group known as the maan kykers (Afrikaans for “moon watchers”). Appointed by the South African Muslim Judicial Council, they gather at scenic spots like Sea Point Promenade and Signal Hill to observe the sky with the naked eye. Only once they confirm the sighting can the country begin celebrating Eid. Imagine ending Ramadan with the stunning backdrop of Cape Town’s coastline – it’s a truly breathtaking tradition!
Turkey
Turkey keeps an old Ottoman tradition alive with over 20,000 drummers roaming the streets to wake people up for suhoor. Dressed in traditional Ottoman outfits, these davulcus (drummers) beat their double-sided drums and sing as they walk through neighborhoods, making sure no one sleeps through their pre-dawn meal. In return, locals often give them small tips, and sometimes even invite them in to share suhoor. This tradition captures the generosity and communal spirit of Ramadan in Turkey.
Ramadan may be celebrated in different ways around the world, but at its core, it remains a time of faith, togetherness, and reflection. Do you have a unique Ramadan tradition where your from? Tell us all about it at @gulfbuzz!
You may also like: 9 Gorgeous Ramadan Majlis/Tents You Must Visit For Iftar & Suhoor In Dubai
