First Time In 1,000 Years, St. George's Hall At Windsor Castle Holds Iftar

Breaking the fast at St. George's Hall, Windsor Castle. (Instagram/@openiftar)

JAKARTA - For the first time in 1,000 years of history, Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British Royal Family held a Ramadan iftar event.

Breaking the fast this time was held last Sunday, where more than 350 people gathered at St. George's Hall. The call to prayer resonates throughout the building to signify iftar time. Dates are eaten and prayers are pronounced before food is served.

"The atmosphere is amazing, it feels like it's not real," a participant told the BBC, as quoted March 4.

This free event is organized by the London-based Ramadan Tent Project charity.

Simon Maples, director of visitor operations at Windsor Castle, said Britain's King Charles III had "conjured religious diversity and encouraged interfaith conversations" for years.

It is known, St George's Hall is usually used to host heads of state and for special dishes of the British Empire.

"The Royal family is very kind because they open their home to us," said one woman.

Another added: "We never thought we would be here to break the fast. We have taken a long journey."

Breaking the fast at Windsor Castle is certainly an unforgettable memory for life.

"I study history at the university, so breaking the fast at Windsor Palace is not something I had imagined I would do," said another woman.

"Mixing my Muslim identity with historical knowledge is a real privilege," he added.

Others invited King Charles III to join them for dinner during the holy month.

"The king is an excellent ambassador for this purpose and is committed to community unity," said Omar Salha, founder and chief executive of Ramadan Tent Project.

"We are very grateful for his support for the British Muslim community," he added.

This activity is open to everyone from various religions and backgrounds. Those who want to join only need to register and then the ticket is allocated to the lottery system, given the high enthusiasm of the community, quoted from Al Arabiya.

"This event is a fantastic opportunity to welcome people from the local community, and those from all religions and backgrounds to the palace," Simon Maples said, quoted by The National.

The plan is that the Royal Collection Trust and Ramadan Tent Project will collaborate to hold more iftar events throughout the UK, including the Tokyo Globe, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Victoria and Albert Museum to Lord'sURky Ground.

A total of at least 18 places of breaking the fast together under the project this year. This year's last open fasting will be held at Trafalgar Square, London on March 29.