The Ramadan festival in India is here, transforming cities across the country for an entire month. As the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan brings together Muslims and non-Muslims alike. From the winding lanes of Old Delhi to the historic quarters of Hyderabad, each city has its own way of celebrating Ramadan.
During this holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, engaging in prayer and reflection while strengthening their connection with Allah. The festive evenings come alive with iftar celebrations where families and communities gather to break their fast together.
After 29 to 30 days of celebration, Ramadan Eid in India concludes with special prayers, new clothes, exchange of gifts, and feasts, defining India’s unity in diversity. Let’s explore how Ramadan is celebrated in different cities of India below!
Ramadan in Old Delhi hits different! When night falls, the grand Jama Masjid glows with lights as people gather for evening Taraweeh prayers. The narrow streets come alive as locals break their fast together.
Undeniably, Chandini Chowk stands as one of the most famous places for iftar in India. Along with the lip smacking delicacies ready to be tasted like kebabs, phirni, Shahi Tukda, and Chicken tikka,(and many more, of course) it’s the sense of togetherness that stands out. Old Delhi is definitely the popular city in India during Ramadan.
Everywhere you look, people are sharing meals, offering water and fruits to strangers, hugging friends, and smiling at neighbours.
- Other Best Mosques To Visit In Old Delhi During Ramadan: Moti Masjid, Sunehri Masjid, Turkman Gate Mosque, and Kalan Masjid
- Top Iftar Places In Old Delhi: Karim’s, Al Jawahar, Aslam Chicken, Qureshi Kabab Corner, Taufiq Biryani, Shireen Bhawan, and Cool Point
- Best Place For Ramadan Shopping: Manohar Market, Chandni Chowk
- Other Tourist Attractions To Visit In Old Delhi: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Shri Digamber Jain Lal Mandir, Raj Ghat, and Khari Baoli
- Where To Stay In Old Delhi During Ramadan: The Lodhi, and The Leela Palace, which are a 40-minute drive away from Old Delhi
- How To Reach Old Delhi:
- Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport: 20km away from Old Delhi
- Nearest Railway Station: Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station: 9km away from Jama Masjid
It’s no surprise that when Ramzan arrives in Mumbai, Mohammed Ali Road transforms into something magical. As the sun sets, the real show begins with prayers from Minara Masjid nearby.
The food stalls will be ready to offer everything from crunchy cutlets and juicy kebabs to warm rolls and spiced shawarma. And the locals won’t miss a chance to break their iftar with these treats, making Mohammed Ali Road one of the best Ramadan food streets in India.
- Other Best Mosques To Visit In Mumbai During Ramadan: Juma Masjid, Jama Masjid, Makhdoom Shah, Masjid e Umer, Noorani Masjid, and Haji Ali Dargah
- Top Iftar Places In Mumbai: Noor Mohammadi Hotel, Suleman Usman Mithaiwala, and all locals' food stalls at Mohammed Ali Road
- Best Place For Ramadan Shopping: Masjid Bunder
- Other Tourist Attractions To Visit In Mumbai: Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link
- Where To Stay In Mumbai During Ramadan: The Taj Mahal Palace, The St. Regis Mumbai, and the Trident Hotel
- How To Reach Mumbai:
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: 18 km from Mohammed Ali Road
- Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: 3 km from Mohammed Ali Road
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Hyderabad is one of the best cities to visit in India during Ramadan, and the area around the iconic Charminar becomes the centre of attraction. As evening falls, the bustling bazaars become lively.
What makes Hyderabad's Ramzan special is how it blends food, shopping, and tradition into one unforgettable experience. While prayers fill the nearby Mecca Masjid, the surrounding streets fill the air with the festive atmosphere.
At Charminar, you can shop for colourful bangles, and ittar(perfumes) also, as Hyderabad is one of the best iftar spots in India, let the Haleem, sewaiyyan, and sheer-korma be the perfect ending to your Charminar Ramzan adventure.
- Other Best Mosques To Visit In Hyderabad During Ramadan: Afzal Gunj Masjid, Azizia Masjid, Chowk Ke Masjid, Hayat Bakshi Mosque, and Jama Mosque
- Top Iftar Places In Hyderabad: Pista House, Al Madina Haleem, Hotel Nayaab, Hotel Shadab, Nimrah Cafe, Quili Qutub Shah Complex, and Milan Juice Center
- Best Places For Ramadan Shopping: Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazar
- Other Tourist Attractions To Visit In Hyderabad: Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum, Ramoji Film City, Birla Mandir, Hussain Sagar Lake, Qutub Shahi Tombs, and Nehru Zoological Park
- Where To Stay In Hyderabad During Ramadan: Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyatt Place Banjara Hills, The Leela Hyderabad, and Vivanta Hyderabad
- How To Reach Hyderabad:
- Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: 15.5 km from Charminar
- Nearest Railway Station: Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station: 5 km away from Charminar
4. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
During Ramadan in Bhopal, Taj-ul-Masajid, Moti Masjid, and Jama Masjid become gathering points for prayers. The quiet daytime streets suddenly fill with colourful stalls where generations-old recipes come to life. Unlike Kebabs, you can enjoy spiced snacks, and bakarkhani flatbreads that reflect the city's Nawabi heritage.
As you walk through the night markets, you can shop for hand-crafted juttis (traditional footwear), clothing with intricate zari-zardozi embroidery, and ittars made using techniques passed down through families making Bhopal one of the best Ramadan destinations in India.
- Top Iftar Places In Bhopal: Bhopal Night Market, Darbar-e-Bhopal Restaurant and Zam Zam Fast Food
- Best Place For Ramadan Shopping: Bhopal Chowk Bazaar
- Other Tourist Attractions To Visit In Bhopal: Gohar Mahal, Birla Mandir, Van Vihar National Park, and Kerwa Dam
- Where To Stay In Bhopal During Ramadan: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Taj Lakefront Bhopal, or Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal
- How To Reach Bhopal:
- Nearest Airport: Raja Bhoj Airport: 13 km from Bhopal
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhopal Junction: 900 m away from the city centre
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In Ahmedabad's old city, Ramadan brings a special magic that you won't find anywhere else. What makes Ahmedabad unique is how it blends both spiritual devotion and everyday life to exist side by side.
While Teen Darwaza and Manek Chowk light up with food stalls selling kebabs and tandoori chicken, you'll also find Gujarati influence in the cooking styles and ingredients. Rooh Afza here is often served with a local twist, sometimes mixed with fresh seasonal fruits.
- Other Best Mosques To Visit In Ahmedabad During Ramadan: Jama Masjid, Rani Sipri's Mosque, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Sarkhej Roza, and Teen Darwaza Mosque
- Top Iftar Places In Ahmedabad: Bukhara Restaurant, Bismillah Restaurant, and Sigdi Restaurant Kheda
- Best Places For Ramadan Shopping: Manek Chowk, Law Garden Night Market, and Alpha One Mall
- Other Tourist Attractions To Visit In Ahmedabad: Sabarmati Ashram, Sabarmati Riverfront, Statue of Unity, Auto World Vintage Car Museum, Science City Road in Ahmedabad, and Adalaj Stepwell
- Where To Stay In Ahmedabad During Ramadan: ITC Narmada Luxury Collection Hotel, TAJ Skyline Ahmedabad, and The House of MG Heritage Hotel
- How To Reach Ahmedabad:
- Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport: 11 km from the Old city
- Nearest Railway Station: Ahmedabad Junction: 2 km from the Old City
Malerkotla is mostly a Muslim town that becomes special during Ramadan —shows what true friendship between different communities looks like. What makes Malerkotla stand out isn't fancy food markets or historic mosque but the natural way Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims share meals together. Local Punjabi families regularly invite their Muslim neighbours to break the fast.
While you'll not only find traditional Ramzan treats like sweet sewaiyyan, but also discover unique local delicacies like corn kebabs.
- Best Mosques To Visit In Malerkotla During Ramadan: Aqsa Mosque, and Jama Masjid
- Top Iftar Places In Malerkotla: London Town, The Meeting Point, and J9 Haveli
- Best Place For Ramadan Shopping: Lal Bazar
- Where To Stay In Malerkotla During Ramadan: Best hotels are available in Chandigarh like The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh, and Hyatt Regency Chandigarh
- How To Reach Malerkotla:
- Nearest Airport: Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh: 120 km away from Malerkotla
- Nearest Railway Station: Dhuri Junction: 19km away from Dhuri Junction
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Practical Tips For Visiting Indian Cities During Ramadan
1. Respect Local Customs: Learn the basics about Ramadan before visiting. Don't eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
2. Dress Appropriately: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or religious areas. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques.
3. Plan Around Prayer Times: Many shops and restaurants close during prayer times, especially for Friday prayers. Food markets get extremely busy just before sunset.
4. Be Mindful Of Timing: The best time to experience markets is after iftar (sunset meal). Plan your visits accordingly.
5. Join With Permission: If invited to an iftar meal, it's considered polite to bring a small gift like dates or sweets.
6. Stay Hydrated: If you're not fasting, drink plenty of water. Summer Ramadan days can be extremely hot in many Indian cities.
7. Be Patient: Expect busy streets and slower service during evening hours when everyone breaks their fast.
8. Ask Before Photography: Always get permission before taking pictures of people during prayers or iftar meals.
