Ramadan Celebrations At Jama Masjid Are A Sight To Behold! These Stunning Photographs Are Proof

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Photo of Ramadan Celebrations At Jama Masjid Are A Sight To Behold! These Stunning Photographs Are Proof by Adete Dahiya

Every year, Muslims across the globe gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, as the month-long fasting of Ramadan comes to a close.

During the period of Ramadan or Ramzan, men and women fast from dawn till dusk every day and refrain from indulging in any vices. Breaking of the fast on the final day, therefore, is a huge celebration, with large feasts and massive gatherings within the community. Before ending the final roza (fast), devotees gather at their local mosque to offer Namaz and give their thanks to Allah. Eid al-Fitr literally translates from Arabic as the “festival of breaking the fast”.

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In Delhi, the iconic Jama Masjid is the centre of all activity during Ramadan and Eid. On most days, it is like a beautiful island of calm at the centre of the chaotic world of Old Delhi. But during Eid, India's largest mosque, which can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people, is filled beyond capacity. It is a sight to behold!

For those of us who cannot witness this marvellous sight, award-winning photographer Sourabh Gandhi has captured mesmerising shots of the Jama Masjid during Ramadan and Eid. Have a look:

Morning Namaz

Photo of Jama Masjid, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya
Photo of Jama Masjid, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya

People leaving the Masjid after offering namaz

All about giving

Women offering Friday prayers

Alvida Jumma (The Friday of the week before Ramadan ends)

Photo of Jama Masjid, Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya
Photo of Jama Masjid, Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya

A view from the minar

Lost in prayer

Photo of Ramadan Celebrations At Jama Masjid Are A Sight To Behold! These Stunning Photographs Are Proof by Adete Dahiya

The spirit of unity

Photo of Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, India by Adete Dahiya
Photo of Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, India by Adete Dahiya

Ramadan 2018

Photo of Jama Masjid, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya
Photo of Jama Masjid, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya
Photo of Jama Masjid, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, Delhi by Adete Dahiya

Gandhi had been attempting to get unique shots of the Ramadan and Eid celebrations at Jama Masjid since 2014, after he saw the work of an award-winning photographer. However, his first attempt in 2015 was unsuccessful as he didn't get permission to shoot from the location of his choice.

He then tried again in 2016 and got special permission to shoot from the Mumtaz Jharokha, situated right opposite the main tomb of the mosque, which is not open to the public. He was locked inside the tomb for over four hours, during which he managed to capture some of his best work. One of those shots was even selected for the final stage of the 2017 Travel Photographer of the Year contest by National Geographic.

You can follow Sourabh Gandhi's work on Instagram.

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