7 Unique Traditions in Various Countries During Ramadan, Some Even Fire Cannons

Kapanlagi.com - Ramadan is a highly anticipated month for all Muslims around the world. Many countries have various unique traditions when Ramadan arrives. Yes, these traditions have become habits that they often do since ancient times.

In Indonesia, there is usually the tradition of ngabuburit or waking up for suhoor, but it's different in other countries. Traditions in other countries are also equally unique when Ramadan arrives.

According to various sources, here are 7 unique traditions in various countries during the month of Ramadan. What are they?

1. Garangao Festival (Qatar)

credit: twitter.com/qatarliving; twitter.com/dohanews

The Garangao Festival is a festival that has been happening for centuries. This festival is dedicated to children when the month of Ramadan arrives. Yes, usually this festival is held on the 14th day of Ramadan.

The Garangao festival takes place after breaking the fast. Later, the children will get ready to go out of the house wearing traditional Qatari clothes, while the girls wear golden head decorations. After they gather, the children will sing together and visit the houses of the residents to ask for candy.

The candy obtained by these children will be put into a cloth bag that is hung around their neck, usually the cloth bag is handmade by their mother.

This festival is held to appreciate the children who have been fasting for almost half a month. Besides sharing candy, there are many other activities such as face painting, henna hand painting, and storytelling on the roadside. Even supermarkets and malls in Qatar also participate by giving out candy and goodie bags for free.

2. Installing Lanterns (Egypt)

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In welcoming Ramadan, a unique tradition usually performed by the people of Egypt is installing lanterns on the streets and their houses. These lanterns are called fanuos.

The lanterns, ranging from 25 cm to 150 cm in size, are made from recycled plastic. These lanterns are used by the people of Egypt as a symbol of light to illuminate the darkness.

3. Eating Dorayaki (Japan)

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Don't be mistaken, Japan also has traditions during Ramadan. Although there are not many Muslims in the land of the sakura, there are still unique customs practiced by Muslims in Japan. What is it?

This can be seen from the iftar menu. There, dorayaki is served as an iftar menu. This sweet cake with a soft texture and fillings such as chocolate, cheese, and red beans is considered suitable as an iftar menu.

4. City of Couronne (France)

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Apparently in France there is also a tradition when Ramadan arrives, specifically in the city of Couronne. The city, which has many immigrants from Saudi Arabia, will open a trading stall along the street. They usually sell various trinkets and typical Ramadan foods such as dates and sweet cakes.

5. Waking Up for Sahur (Indonesia)

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In Indonesia itself, there is also a unique tradition when Ramadan arrives. Especially when it comes to waking up for sahur. They usually go around the neighborhood and wake up the people in various unique ways. 

Not only children do this, adults and teenagers also participate, mingling together to wake up for sahur. However, it is not known since when the tradition of waking up for sahur exists, but this habit still continues until now.

6. Firing Cannons (Saudi Arabia)

credit: twitter.com/emiratesislamic

In Indonesia, the activity of 'ngabuburit' is usually done with family or friends by taking a walk in the afternoon. Usually, 'ngabuburit' is done to buy some 'takjil' for breaking the fast. But it's different in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has its own way of 'ngabuburit'. They usually do this activity by watching the firing of cannons. Initially, the cannons are placed on a hill, this is done to announce the arrival of the Maghrib prayer, so that people who are far away can hear it.

7. Breaking the Fast Together on a Mat (Turkey)

credit: twitter.com/insanveirfan

Breaking the fast together is not unfamiliar to Muslims in Indonesia and even the world. Breaking the fast is more enjoyable when done together with family and friends.

But there is something different about breaking the fast together in Turkey. In fact, breaking the fast together has become a mandatory tradition there. The way they do it is quite unique, by laying out mats or cloth in the yard of the house, or it can also be done in one of the city parks in Turkey.

Before the call to prayer, they usually gather while chatting and preparing the iftar meal. This activity, which is done in open spaces during the month of Ramadan, is like having a picnic, KLovers.

Those are 7 unique traditions in various countries when Ramadan arrives. Everyone welcomes it with joy. So, I can't wait for Ramadan to come soon.

(kpl/dhm/gen)