This weekend marked the beginning of Ramadan, the month-long festival which commemorates the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. To mark its arrival, the West End has been covered by a stunning set of lights, with a neon purple sign at the centrepiece reading ‘Happy Ramadan’, and a a bright set of shapes that are inspired by Islamic geometric symbols.
The lights now illuminate Coventry Street in the West End, and you’ll be able to see them all bright and shining every evening for the next month throughout Ramadan in London. After this, the sign will be adapted to read ‘Happy Eid’ as the celebrations commence at the end of Ramadan, and this will coincide with other Eid al-Fitr festivities across London, including the annual Eid In The Square celebrations at Trafalgar Square.
2024 is the second year in which Ramadan has been marked by a light display, with last year being a landmark moment in a campaign that was years in the making. Coventry Street’s lights were switched on over the weekend by Rahima Aziz, Trustee of the Aziz Foundation, who was joined by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Speaking about the Ramadan Lights this year, Rahima Aziz said: “These lights are a beacon of solidarity and harmony, representing the coming together of people from all faiths and none in this great, multicultural city. They are also a celebration of Muslims in Britain, a bold and prominent display of how proud we are to be Muslims at a time of shocking levels of hate towards Muslims and other faith groups.”
The Ramadan Lights
Last year was the first time London had put up lights in the West End to celebrate Ramadan, and it came after a campaign by Aisha Desai, who began pushing the idea three years before. This was run entirely on donations, and led to other brilliant Ramadan light displays in London before the West End set, including Henley’s Corner and Trafalgar Square, which held a giant Ramadan light installation.
Speaking last year, Aisha Desai said: “As a child, a trip into central London to see the festive lights was an annual treat. My sister and I would lie in the back of the car looking at the lights through the sunroof. It was magical.
“As a proud Muslim, I wanted to bring some of that magic to my community. And three years ago, that journey began with Ramadan Lights. And our generous donors have helped us go from strength to strength.”
Now in their second year, the lights are back to mark the work put in by Aisha Desai, the Aziz Foundations, and all others involved, with the beautiful designs in the centre of the city shining all month to represent and champion those in London and beyond who observe Ramadan.
Ramadan is set to end on the evening of April 9 with the first day of Eid al-Fitr on April 10. You’ll be able to check out the Ramadan lights in London every day up until Eid al-Fitr, with the signs expected to change words to mark the start of the three-day celebrations.
Read more about the Ramadan Lights initiative here, and check out the Aziz Foundation’s website to find out more about the 2024 lights. You can also keep up to date with the Ramadan timetable via the Islamic Relief site.