Vibrant atmosphere as Eastleigh comes alive as Ramadan draws to a close

People on a street in Eastleigh on March 31, 20205. Eastleigh has regained its usual rhythm with increased movement on the streets and the reopening of restaurants after the end of Ramadan. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif
Monday, March 31, 2025

Restaurants, which are central to social interactions in the neighbourhood, remained closed during the day as residents observed the fast, contributing to the overall reduction in movement and activity.

Normalcy has returned to Eastleigh following the conclusion of Ramadan, which had altered daily routines in the area.

During the fasting month, morning activities were significantly reduced, with fewer people seen on the streets and businesses opening later than usual.

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Restaurants, which are central to social interactions in the neighbourhood, remained closed during the day as residents observed the fast, contributing to the overall reduction in movement and activity.

However, on Monday, the situation changed as people resumed their usual routines. Streets were busier in the morning, with many businesses opening earlier than they had during Ramadan.

Restaurants, which had remained closed during daylight hours throughout the fasting month, reopened their doors to customers. Many residents were seen dining as they enjoyed their second breakfast after the conclusion of Ramadan on Saturday.

Establishments such as Kilimanjaro, Favorite, Al Bushra, RCs, Decale, and Silver Cafe were all operating normally, with customers filling their tables once again.

Boda boda riders, who had experienced reduced business due to fewer people being out and about, also saw an increase in activity. Riders were actively ferrying passengers across Eastleigh as people moved around more freely.

Felix Muriithi, a boda boda rider working along Eastleigh’s Second Avenue, noted the change in business.

"It is better today and yesterday. People are active and so many from morning, unlike in the past one month," he said.

While most people have resumed their normal eating patterns, some continue to observe voluntary fasting for six days in the Islamic month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan.

This practice is believed to hold significant spiritual reward, equivalent to fasting for an entire year when combined with the fast of Ramadan.

Unlike the iftar meals that were more elaborate during Ramadan, meals during the six days of Shawwal are generally more modest.

Muzamil Ahmed, a resident of Eastleigh, shared his experience with the voluntary fast.

"I started fasting Shawwal today because I want to be done as soon as possible. I have not failed fasting these six days after Ramadan for so many years now due to its reward," he said.