Ramadan Lights Illuminates London During Fasting Month, Mayor Sadiq Khan: Clear Message Of Our Diversity

Ramadan Light in London, England. (Twitter/@SadiqKhan)

The Ornament of the ornamental lights 'Ramadan Lights' again illuminated the center of London in the month of Ramadan this year, or the second time in a row since it started last year, with Mayor Sadiq Khan saying this is a clear message of diversity from the British capital.

The procession for lighting the ornamental lights was led by Mayor Khan on Thursday night. The lights will be turned on every night during the fasting month until Eid arrives.

"This enchanting show sends a clear message to the world: London is for everyone and we celebrate our diversity," Mayor Khan wrote on Twitter, as quoted March 8.

British actors Adil Ray and Aziz from the Aziz Foundation also attended a ceremony to light a series of lights that graced Coventry Street near Piccadily Circes in central London, quoted from The National News.

This year's new light display features Islamic design and signs of illumination saying "Happy Ramadan" to passers-by.

The project was founded by Aisha Desai and Ramadan Lights UK, and this year's lights were organized and funded by the Aziz Foundation.

Desai, founder of Ramadan Lights, feels that this project has provided a sense of belonging to British Muslims.

"It's very strong," he said.

Ramadan lights have returned to light up the West End! ✨ It was an honour to be part of the switch on again this year. This dazzling display sends a clear message to the world: London is for everyone and we celebrate our diversity.#Ramadan2024 #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/OyQYTihiGr

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 7, 2024

Ramadan lights have returned to light up the West End! It was an honor to be part of the switch on again this year. This dashing display sents a clear message to the world: London is for everyone and we celebrate our diversity. #Ramadan2024 #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/OyQYTihiGr

"Many non-Muslims are increasingly curious about Ramadan and what it contains," he added.

"This spreads awareness in a good way through arts and light installations," he said.

"It was an idea that came from me, but I encourage Muslims and people from other religions to continue and do so," he said.

Desai has overseen the growth of celebrations in central London, from simple crowdfunding to the installation of "Happy Ramadan" lights in north London over the past four years.

The concept has spread to Europe, with an incredible group of women turning on the lights for the first time in Cologne, Germany.

"There are also lights in Frankfurt and Oslo outside the city hall," said Desai.

"This is the point, involving other communities elsewhere so they can do it themselves," he explained.

Desai said the success of the event was "very unexpected, in a very beautiful way".

"Langit is the limit and you can do whatever you want to do as long as you keep thinking about it and do it," he said.