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Beautiful Photos of Ramadan Traditions From Around the World

Beautiful Photos of Ramadan Traditions From Around the World

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. 

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.

Source: Rahman Roslan / Getty Images News via Getty Images

1. Malaysians mark Ramadan

Mosque staff participate in special prayer during the eve of Ramadan 2020.

Source: Kevin Frayer / Getty Images News via Getty Images

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.

Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images News via Getty Images

3. Iftar In Dubai

Muslims in Dubai break their fast in 2014.

Source: Chris McGrath / Getty Images News via Getty Images

4. Ramadan celebrated in Istanbul

Turkish Muslims break their fast in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Source: Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images News via Getty Images

5. Muslims Attend Friday Prayers At The End Of Ramadan

Muslims in the U.K. attend prayers at a mosque just south of London.

Source: Abid Katib / Getty Images News via Getty Images

6. Lanterns in Gaza

A young boy sells lamps during Ramadan in Gaza.

Source: Spencer Platt / Getty Images News via Getty Images

7. Eid ul-Fitr Prayer Held At Manhattan Mosque

Worshippers take to the street outdoors in Manhattan to mark the end of Ramadan.

Source: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images News via Getty Images

8. Iftar Is Prepared

Hundreds of meals are prepared for Muslims breaking their fast in London.

Source: Phil Walter / Getty Images News via Getty Images

9. Police Host Community Ramadan Iftar Dinner

Muslims eat at a police station in South Auckland, New Zealand.

Source: Robertus Pudyanto / Getty Images News via Getty Images

10. Visually impaired students observe Ramada

Blind Muslims in Indonesia read a Braille Quran.

Source: Oscar Siagian / Getty Images News via Getty Images

11. Indonesian Muslims Observe First Day Of Ramadan

In Jakarta, Indonesian Muslims play fire football to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

12. Indonesians Perform Friday Prayers During Ramadan

Muslims in Indonesia practice social distancing during prayers in 2021.

Source: Daniel Berehulak / Getty Images News via Getty Images

13. Indian Muslims Gather To Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr

Muslims in New Delhi mark Eid ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images News via Getty Images

14. Holy Month of Ramadan In UAE

A vendor in Dubai prepares food for when observants break their fast.

Source: Hong Wu / Getty Images News via Getty Images

15. China’s Muslim’s observe Ramadan

Muslims in China break their fast.

Source: Robertus Pudyanto / Getty Images News via Getty Images

16. Ramadan begins in Indonesia

Indonesian Muslims visit the graves of their relatives ahead of Ramadan.

Source: Uriel Sinai / Getty Images News via Getty Images

17. East Jerusalem Adorned With Ramadan Lights

Muslims are out and about in Jerusalem during Ramadan 2011.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

18. Indonesian Muslims Mark Eid’l Fitr

Indonesian Muslims pray at the “sea of sands” at Parangkusumo beach in Yogyakarta.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

19. Fire Sticks

A Muslim man in Indonesia plays with a fire stick in this long-exposure photo.

Source: Jes Aznar / Getty Images News via Getty Images

20. Filipino Muslims Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr

A boy holds a balloon amid Eid celebrations in the Philippines.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

21. Indonesians Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr

Children parade the streets with torches.

Source: Allison Joyce / Getty Images News via Getty Images

22. Bangladeshis Celebrate

Bangladeshi Muslims board trains to head home from Ramadan festivities.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

23. Indonesians Prepare For The Holy Month Of Ramadan

Indonesian Muslims pray ahead of Ramadan.

Source: Daniel Berehulak / Getty Images News via Getty Images

24. Indian Muslims Gather

Indian Muslims pray during Eid ul-Fitr prayers at the Feroz Shah Kotla Mosque in New Delhi.

Source: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images News via Getty Images

25. Afghans Celebrate

Afghan men dance to celebrate the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Source: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images News via Getty Images

26. the First Day Of Eid ul-Fitr

Young girls play outside during Ramadan in Kabul.

Source: Drew Angerer / Getty Images News via Getty Images

28. Muslims Mark End Of Ramadan In Brooklyn

Muslim worshippers gather at Bensonhurst Park in Brooklyn

Source: John Moore / Getty Images News via Getty Images

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.

Source: Chumsak Kanoknan / Getty Images News via Getty Images

30. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr

Worshippers head into a Mosque in Thailand.

Source: Alex Wong / Getty Images News via Getty Images

31. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan

Members of a Mosque make donations before they enter a service.

Source: Chris Hondros / Getty Images News via Getty Images

32. End of Ramadan

Boys eat jaylabee, an Afghani pastry, during Ramadan.

Source: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images News via Getty Images

33. Earthquake victims celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr

Even after a devastating earthquake, Pakistani Muslims gather to celebrate Ramadan in 2005.

Source: Guang Niu / Getty Images News via Getty Images

34. Muslims mark Eid ul-Fitr in Beijing

A man prays as Muslims in Beijing begin Eid ul-Fitr.

Source: Guang Niu / Getty Images News via Getty Images

35. An entertainer performs

A man swallows a sword amid festivities for Eid ul-Fitr in Beijing.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

36. Eid celebrations mark the end of Ramadan

A large group of Muslims pray.

Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images News via Getty Images

37. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr In Dubai

A group gathers in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images News via Getty Images

39. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr in London

A girl blows bubbles during an Eid ul-Fitr celebration in London.

Source: Ulet Ifansasti / Getty Images News via Getty Images

40. Eid ul-Fitr celebration balloons

Children wait for balloons after prayers.

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