How Peshawar Celebrates Ramazan Together
Fakhar e Alam
Peshawar: As the sun sets behind the Kohi Sufaid mountains and the ‘Maghrib Azan’ resonates across the city, Peshawar’s bustling streets come alive with long sheets of white cloth, laid out for communal iftar gatherings.
From Hastnagri to LRH gates, Namak Mandi, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, and other prominent areas, plates of dates, pakoras, jalebi, fruits, and sweet drinks are meticulously arranged by well-off families and philanthropists. Strangers sit shoulder to shoulder, united in breaking their fast, reflecting a spirit of warmth and friendship that transcends religious lines.
Ramazan in Peshawar is more than a spiritual observance. Over the years, it has evolved into a living symbol of interfaith harmony, where Muslims and minorities come together in shared generosity.
At Hashtnagri Bazaar, Rawandar Singh, 45, wearing his traditional turban, has been distributing iftar items for over a decade—a tradition passed down from his late father, Awtah Singh.
“I feel inner peace and satisfaction continuing this noble practice during the 30 days of Ramadan,” Rawandar told APP. “I still remember my father handing out dates and pakoras from Hashtnagri to Mohalla Jogan Ramdas. Those moments remain fresh in my heart.”
Now assisted by his young son, Rawandar sees these acts not merely as charity but as gestures of respect and admiration for his Muslim neighbors. “It strengthens bonds of love and brotherhood,” he said, smiling as passersby greeted him warmly moments before iftar.
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Similarly, Dewa Singh and his son Tajindar Singh, who run a telecommunications business in Hashtnagri, organize daily iftar arrangements for dozens of fasting individuals.
“Inviting people of different faiths to iftar sends a strong message of love and friendship to the world,” they explained. “Without winning hearts and minds, we cannot build a society where everyone enjoys equal rights and respect.” Their family has upheld this tradition for generations, emphasizing warmth and solidarity during the holy month.
Across Peshawar, from Qissa Khwani Bazaar to University Road, Lady Reading Hospital, Takhto Jumat, and Ramdas roadside gatherings, iftars draw laborers, shopkeepers, travelers, and families of diverse backgrounds. The colorful spread of dahe bhalay, chappal kebab, polao, rice, meat dishes, and sweet beverages reflects not only culinary richness but also communal unity.
Haroon Sarbdayal, a representative of the Hindu community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and founding member of the Pakistan Council of World Religions, views Ramazan as a powerful platform for interfaith cohesion.
“All prophets and founders of religions promoted peace, forgiveness, patience, and love,” he said. “We must encourage acceptance alongside tolerance, as acceptance builds lasting peace.”
The Hindu community also arranges iftar gatherings during Ramazan and plans to host a grand interfaith iftar in the last Ashra of the holy month in Peshawar, inviting leaders of all faiths.
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“Dialogue and interaction remove misperceptions among followers of different religions,” Sarbdayal added, suggesting the creation of shared study centers to encourage mutual respect and understanding.
Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Central Khateeb KP, described interfaith harmony as a cornerstone of a peaceful society. “Inviting one another to iftar cements bonds of friendship and brotherhood among people of all religions,” he said, referencing the historic Charter of Medina, which granted religious freedoms and laid down principles of coexistence—teachings still relevant today.
He also emphasized charity as a core component of Islam, especially significant during Ramazan, urging people to contribute responsibly through reputable organizations to ensure donations reach those in need.
As the ‘Maghrib Azan’ signals the end of the fast, hands rise in prayer and dates are shared across faith lines. In these fleeting yet profound moments, Peshawar’s streets transform into spaces of compassion and collective humanity.
From roadside dastarkhwans to organized Ramazan camps, the city’s charitable initiatives transcend mere generosity—they are a living testament that kindness, patience, and service can unite communities across religious boundaries.
In a world often marked by division, the spirit of Ramadan in Peshawar quietly tells another story: one of unity, respect, and enduring friendship. The feature report has been published in APP.
