London — February 17: London Mayor Sadiq Khan officially switched on the city’s Ramadan lights as Muslims across the UK prepare to observe the holy month of fasting.
In a message shared on X, Khan described the display as a meaningful celebration, highlighting London’s diversity and unity. He said the event reflects the city’s commitment to inclusivity and its identity as a place where people from different backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
For the fourth consecutive year, London’s West End has been decorated with approximately 30,000 LED lights, illuminating the area to mark Ramadan. The installation celebrates the cultural and community significance of the holy month, during which Muslims fast daily from sunrise until sunset.
Rahima Aziz, a trustee of the Aziz Foundation, said the light display along Coventry Street near Piccadilly Circus has grown steadily since its launch in 2023. She explained that what began as a simple installation has evolved into a larger celebration that captures the spirit and meaning of Ramadan.
As part of this year’s festivities, the Aziz Foundation has organized an interfaith art exhibition titled “Shared Light,” held in the basement of the Zedwell Hotel. The exhibition features works by 20 artists from across the UK, exploring themes associated with Ramadan, including peace, generosity, hope, and compassion.
The foundation has also launched an interactive digital map highlighting halal and vegetarian dining options, enabling visitors to locate participating restaurants offering special iftar menus, as well as nearby prayer facilities and Ramadan-related events.
Aziz noted that many young Muslims prefer to gather with friends and family for iftar in central London. She said the initiative aims to encourage community participation while also supporting local businesses through promotions and special offers.
According to the 2021 census, approximately 4 million Muslims live across the United Kingdom, including more than 1 million residents in London. The British capital was the first major European city to decorate its central streets with Ramadan-themed lights, which are now part of the city’s annual cultural calendar alongside celebrations such as Hanukkah and Diwali.
The illuminated display includes a “Happy Ramadan” sign decorated with crescent moons and stars. The lights will be switched on nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and will later be updated to read “Happy Eid” in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr in March.
This year, Ramadan coincides with the Christian season of Lent, which runs from February 18 to April 2. Depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17 and conclude on March 18.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar and occurs approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. During Ramadan in London, fasting hours will range between 12 and 14 hours per day. Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, will take place around 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of the month and approximately 6:30 p.m. toward its conclusion. When Ramadan falls during the summer months, fasting hours can extend to nearly 19 hours per day.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charitable giving, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims observe the fast as a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and compassion for those in need.
Aziz said the growing Ramadan celebrations reflect increased awareness and interest in Islamic traditions. She added that the Ramadan lights symbolize London’s diversity and reinforce its identity as a city where different cultures and communities coexist.
