The spiritual quest: Ramadan festivities in Old Delhi

SUMMARY

It is May and the days are warm. Muslims across the world are fasting all day to mark Ramadan, the holy month. The alleys in Old Delhi near Jama Masjid are empty with curtains pulled on the eateries to avoid distraction during the fasting hours. At 7.15 pm, there is all-round silence as people wait for the call of muezzin to break the fast, called Roza. As the muezzin’s call for the prayer echoes through the streets, the silence settles for a few minutes as the faithful begin their prayers. They then break the fast with fruits and juice. Throughout the night until 4 am, the pious celebrate what they call ‘Sheri’, when they can eat as much as they want to. Gathered here is a collection of images of Ramadan festivities in Old Delhi.