Ramadan Display Illuminates Piccadilly Circus in London
The installation features 30,000 LED bulbs, celebrating the holy month of Ramadan in the heart of the West End.
Piccadilly Circus has been transformed with an impressive installation to commemorate Ramadan, featuring 30,000 LED bulbs arranged in Islamic geometric patterns and symbols.
This marks the third consecutive year of the display, which has gained significance in promoting cultural understanding in London.
The lighting event took place on Wednesday, led by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
He was accompanied by notable figures including actor and Good Morning Britain presenter Adil Ray, presenter Yasser Ranjha, and Rahima Aziz, a trustee of the Aziz Foundation, which sponsors the installation.
The inauguration of these lights in 2023 signifies a notable milestone, as it represents the first time a major Western European city has publicly recognized Ramadan with such a large-scale display.
Muslims around the globe observe Ramadan, a holy month during which they fast from dawn until sunset, only to break their fast after sunset with a meal known as iftar.
This year's installation incorporates additional features, such as a ground-level interactive exhibit in Leicester Square and a halal-friendly iftar trail.
Local dining establishments, including LSQ Rooftop at Hotel Indigo and Farzi London, are participating by offering special Ramadan menus.
Mayor Khan expressed the significance of the event, reflecting on his childhood memories of Christmas lights in the West End and the evolving cultural landscape in London.
Rahima Aziz remarked on the purpose of the lights, stating that they symbolize unity and the inclusion of diverse communities in the city.
Aziz emphasized that the display is intended for everyone, regardless of their faith, and serves as a festive occasion that can educate others about Ramadan.
The lights were switched on as part of a wider program that included a lantern parade through Piccadilly Gardens, attended by children from WAW Creative Arts, a school aimed at nurturing Muslim youth, alongside Robert Rigby, the Lord Mayor of Westminster.
Rigby noted the importance of the Muslim community in Westminster, highlighting the city's diversity.
Nusaiba Mohammad Timol, founder of WAW, emphasized the progress being made to include Muslims in broader public celebrations, stressing the importance of fostering conversations about Ramadan and inviting others to share in the experience.
In a timely context, a recent report from Tell Mama, a UK initiative monitoring anti-Muslim sentiment, indicated a significant uptick in Islamophobic incidents, the highest since its inception in 2011. The Ramadan lights are seen as a positive counter-narrative during a period marked by increased prejudice.
Mayor Khan remarked on the importance of the display, stating that it is not only a stance against hatred but also a beacon of hope, aiming to dispel negative perceptions of Islam.
Aziz reiterated the community's commitment to positivity, charity, and inclusion amidst a challenging climate.
The Ramadan lights will remain installed until March 30, 2023, when the 'Happy Ramadan' sign will be changed to 'Happy Eid,' continuing the celebration until April 6.
This marks the third consecutive year of the display, which has gained significance in promoting cultural understanding in London.
The lighting event took place on Wednesday, led by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
He was accompanied by notable figures including actor and Good Morning Britain presenter Adil Ray, presenter Yasser Ranjha, and Rahima Aziz, a trustee of the Aziz Foundation, which sponsors the installation.
The inauguration of these lights in 2023 signifies a notable milestone, as it represents the first time a major Western European city has publicly recognized Ramadan with such a large-scale display.
Muslims around the globe observe Ramadan, a holy month during which they fast from dawn until sunset, only to break their fast after sunset with a meal known as iftar.
This year's installation incorporates additional features, such as a ground-level interactive exhibit in Leicester Square and a halal-friendly iftar trail.
Local dining establishments, including LSQ Rooftop at Hotel Indigo and Farzi London, are participating by offering special Ramadan menus.
Mayor Khan expressed the significance of the event, reflecting on his childhood memories of Christmas lights in the West End and the evolving cultural landscape in London.
Rahima Aziz remarked on the purpose of the lights, stating that they symbolize unity and the inclusion of diverse communities in the city.
Aziz emphasized that the display is intended for everyone, regardless of their faith, and serves as a festive occasion that can educate others about Ramadan.
The lights were switched on as part of a wider program that included a lantern parade through Piccadilly Gardens, attended by children from WAW Creative Arts, a school aimed at nurturing Muslim youth, alongside Robert Rigby, the Lord Mayor of Westminster.
Rigby noted the importance of the Muslim community in Westminster, highlighting the city's diversity.
Nusaiba Mohammad Timol, founder of WAW, emphasized the progress being made to include Muslims in broader public celebrations, stressing the importance of fostering conversations about Ramadan and inviting others to share in the experience.
In a timely context, a recent report from Tell Mama, a UK initiative monitoring anti-Muslim sentiment, indicated a significant uptick in Islamophobic incidents, the highest since its inception in 2011. The Ramadan lights are seen as a positive counter-narrative during a period marked by increased prejudice.
Mayor Khan remarked on the importance of the display, stating that it is not only a stance against hatred but also a beacon of hope, aiming to dispel negative perceptions of Islam.
Aziz reiterated the community's commitment to positivity, charity, and inclusion amidst a challenging climate.
The Ramadan lights will remain installed until March 30, 2023, when the 'Happy Ramadan' sign will be changed to 'Happy Eid,' continuing the celebration until April 6.
