A crowd gathered at the Jama Masjid for a ceremonius Iftar in Ramadan Areeba Ansari

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Ramadan 2024: An Iftar Evening At Delhi's Jama Masjid

Waquar Habib, Areeba Ansari

Updated:4th Apr, 2024 at 9:55 AM

Every year during Ramadan, a grand spectacle of mass Iftar takes place for a whole month in Old Delhi. Visitors, locals and community members unite to break their fast together at sunset. In the massive courtyard of the mosque built by Shahjahan for his city folks, the atmosphere is imbued with camaraderie and generosity as individuals share food, pray, and extend hospitality to one another.

From dates to seasonal fruits, specialities that have come down through generations in various kitchens around Delhi and drinks in multiple variants all come together in a confluence and adorn the evening—a sense of community elevates the joyous ceremony of Iftar.

At the iconic Jama Masjid of Delhi during a mass Iftar, we captured images that showcase the essence of Ramadan gathering: three majestic domes, a central hauz for communal sanctity, thousands of intricately designed dastarkhwan spread across the floor, raised forefingers in namaaz, elegant cloister arches, and the vibrant attire of visiting foreigners, among other sights.

Anticipation fills the air as people ascend the mosque stairs. At the entrance, a young boy, eager for the festivities, skips ahead, slippers clutched in his hand. His mother follows close behind, a basket brimming with Iftar treats balanced on her arm, and her daughter walks beside her.

As you reach the mosque stairs, you'll also spot a small vendor selling various prayer essentials. They have everything you might need, from janamaz (prayer rugs) and ittar (attar) to skullcaps, kerchiefs, keffiyeh scarves, and more.

If you are early to the mosque and come during the time of the post-afternoon prayer, Asr, you will find the premises relatively less crowded and people offering prayers.

People relax and rest around the mosque in the shade, waiting for Maghrib (evening prayer) when they would break their fast.

With empty stomachs and hearts full of devotion, observers and devotees linger, their eyes fixed on the setting sun. As the crowd slowly swells, a silent search begins, each seeking the perfect spot for the evening feast.

Meanwhile, visitors from abroad, adorned in gowns they rent nearby, observe the growing anticipation. Locals and foreigners alike capture the scene with cameras and phones, a shared sense of wonder bridging cultures.

As the call to prayer echoes through the mosque, a hush falls over the gathering. With a shared sense of purpose, worshippers turn towards the central Hauz, a shimmering pool reflecting the fading sunlight. Here, the solemn ritual of Wuzu unfolds. Hands are cupped, then splashed with cool water, cleansing not just the body but the spirit in preparation for the sacred meal to come.

If the central Hauz bustles with activity, overflow spills out to the mosque's cloistered sidewalls. Here, beneath the cool shade of the arches, rows of taps stand sentinel. A symphony of clinking metal and splashing water fills the air as worshippers perform their ablutions, a testament to the faith's ability to adapt and find serenity even amidst a joyful throng.

Tucked away along the sidewalls, a designated space offers women a haven for their Wuzu. Here, a quiet hum of devotion replaces the communal energy of the central Hauz. With measured movements, they follow the four Fardh acts: washing the face, arms, and finally, feet, each part cleansed meticulously in preparation for prayer. The silence is broken only by the gentle trickle of water.

Unburdened by fasting, a young boy stares wide-eyed as his father offers him coconut water. Nearby, a girl, barely taller than the prayer rugs, mimics her mother's movements in a silent prayer, her brow furrowed in concentration. The scene embodies the spirit of Ramadan—a time for family, faith, and the sweet innocence of childhood.

Anticipation crackles in the air as mosque helpers, their movements brisk with purpose, emerge carrying an array of gleaming water jugs. Beside them, platters laden with the mosque's Iftar assortment are brought forth.

As you reach the dizzying heights of the minaret, a transformation unfolds below. Once abuzz with anticipation, the mosque grounds morph into a sea of colour and activity. In no time at all, the open space fills to the brim with people. Families unfurl picnic blankets, friends huddle in joyous chatter, and children weave through the growing crowd. A shared purpose binds them all—the wait for the Maghrib azaan.

From your unique vantage point, you witness the spectacle in its full glory. The very architecture of the mosque, with its intricate design and purposeful layout, seems to imbue the gathering with a deeper meaning. The initial appearance of chaos gives way to a beautiful realisation—the seemingly random placement of people and picnic blankets transforms into a scene of perfect harmony. The mosque's architecture becomes more than just walls and a roof; it becomes the stage upon which this magnificent human drama unfolds.

Descending from your lofty perch, you'd find families gathered around their dastarkhwans with an Iftar feast fit for a king. In the heart of each circle sits the family matriarch, a beacon of warmth and tradition. Surrounded by the other women, they readily welcome your camera.

Even students from far-flung corners of Delhi, those with families in distant towns, gravitate towards the warmth of the Jama Masjid gathering. They settle in for the feast, a vibrant spread tempting their senses. Golden and crisp Samosas beckon alongside glasses of milky Roohafza, a sweet and refreshing drink. Skewers of succulent kebabs take care of the tastebuds, while fruits offer colour and vitamins. Imarti, a sugary fried coil-like dessert, adds a touch of indulgence, while chips and spiced potatoes provide a familiar comfort.

Some families who say they have been coming to the Jama Masjid's Ramadan gathering for decades sit around elaborate preparations. Covered under newspapers, they have dahi vadas, samosas, various fruits like papaya, grapes and apple.

Dates are a staple Iftar food, gracing every Ramadan table across the country. This tradition holds religious significance for Muslims. Dates are revered in Islam, and Prophet Muhammad himself is believed to have broken his fast solely with dates. He is also said to have encouraged others to follow this practice. In fact, breaking the fast with dates is considered Sunnah, following the Prophet's way of life.

Once it is time, an alarming blast outside the premises of the mosque tells the devotees to break their fast and the feast begins.

People break their fast with a date and then wade their way forward to other savouries. Soon after, a call from inside the mosque comes for the Maghrib prayer and the devotees get up to join the lines in prayer.

The festive atmosphere extends beyond human guests. Families often bring their pets to share the joy of Iftar. Here, a woman holds her white Persian cat, its eyes wide with the unfamiliar bustle. Cats hold a special place in Muslim culture. The Prophet Muhammad himself is believed to have cherished cats, even owning several. This fondness is reflected in the welcoming presence of feline companions at the Iftar table.

As dusk deepens, a vibrant night market unfolds outside the mosque gates, spilling into the narrow alleys of Shahjanabad.

Among the stalls, one named "Sharbat-e-Mohabbat" (Love's Elixir) draws a crowd. Here, a vendor dressed in a sheikh's garb whips up refreshing drinks with a theatrical flair reminiscent of Salt Bae, the Turkish internet sensation.

The mosque glows against the night sky, a beacon of faith. Inside, worshippers are in quiet prayer, while outside, children capture the dazzling sight with their cameras.

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