Eastleigh embraces vibrant Ramadan culture with adjusted routines

The streets of Eastleigh undergo a noticeable change in activity during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan holds a deep significance for the residents of Eastleigh, a predominantly Muslim area.

During Ramadan, the streets of Eastleigh take on a subdued atmosphere during the day, in stark contrast to their usual vibrant energy. The morning hours, which typically see the streets teeming with vendors, shoppers, and commuters, now appear a bit more tranquil.

Shops and businesses may open later than usual, and the typical commotion of businesses is replaced by a sense of reverence and introspection.

As the sun begins to set, signalling the end of the day's fast, the streets of Eastleigh gradually spring back to life. Families emerge from their homes, eager to break their fast together and share in the joyous atmosphere of iftar.

Restaurants and food vendors prepare to serve a variety of delicious dishes, ranging from traditional favourites to special Ramadan treats.

Beyond the prayers, the Ramadan evenings offer a myriad of cultural experiences. The routine shift during Ramadan brings about a palpable transformation in communities that observe this sacred month, characterised by a vibrant and unique cultural atmosphere.

Muslims in Eastleigh congregate in large in major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. (Abdirahman Khalif)

Markets and bazaars are busy with activity, offering an array of traditional foods, sweets, and goods for purchase.

“We provide a fusion of flavours, ranging from savoury treats to delectable sweets. Delicacies like mahamri, kitumbua, samosas, bhajia, viazi karai, kahawa tungu, vishete, katlesi, and kaimati take centre stage during the holy month of Ramadan, drawing customers from far and wide. Our preparations begin at dawn as we craft a diverse array of offerings for our customers,” says Athman Olunga, a seller who specialises in Swahili snacks around Eastleigh.

Athman Olunga sells Iftar snacks on Waudo Street in Eastleigh on March 15, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

The call to prayer echoes through the streets, as families gather in their homes or local mosques to break their fast. The air is filled with the aromas of spices and delicacies prepared with care, symbolising the joy of sharing and community.

Muslims breaking their fast at the Kilimanjaro Hotel in Eastleigh. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Operating hours

During the Holy month, many restaurants alter their operating hours to cater to the fasting schedule of their customers in Eastleigh. They open up in the evening to serve iftar meals and offer special iftar menus for their customers.

“We open up at around 1 pm to prepare for the iftar meals for our customers. Unlike the normal days, we used to open up at around 5 am and close at 11 pm. We offer a variety of meals during Ramadan and special diets for our customers who are either ailing or crave something different” says Abdihakim Hashi, a manager at a restaurant in Eastleigh.

Muslims in Eastleigh congregated in large numbers in major mosques to observe the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

According to Abdihakim, the restaurant is open 24 hours a day during Ramadan to accommodate his clients' suhoor meal (the pre-dawn meal Muslims eat before fasting).

“We are open throughout to allow our customers to walk in and eat anytime during the night. Some are late to take the iftar and the opening hours are meant to accommodate everyone entangled in their activities during the day,” he adds.

Ramadan offers a wonderful opportunity to explore a wide range of delicious and culturally significant dishes. Muslim communities often bond together in restaurants. It’s time for families, friends, and sometimes even strangers to come together and share a meal after a day of fasting.

“People who are alone at home or who don’t have a family come to the restaurant to break their fast and bond with the rest. We can’t tell the story of each person eating here but seeing them bond over iftar and enjoy the food lights up the entire restaurant” says Ahmed Rashid, an owner of a restaurant in Eastleigh.

The Curuba Hotels in Eastleigh opens at 5 am to cater to the fasting schedule of their customers. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

In addition, Ahmed notes that the restaurant is typically busy as it strives to feed every customer and prevent them from going hungry after a long day. However, he also notes that the happy customers and business benefits outweigh the complete turmoil that the restaurant experiences every evening.

Demand for fruits

In Eastleigh, the demand for fruits surges during Ramadan, as they are frequently enjoyed to break the fast at iftar. Watermelons, in particular, witness a significant increase in sales for fruit vendors with customers lining up to purchase them hours before iftar.

"We offer a diverse selection of fruits during Ramadan, but watermelons are our top seller," explains Patrick Wachira, a fruit vendor in Eastleigh.

Snacks displayed along Masjid Sunnah in California. These kinds of snacks are paraded along major mosques in Eastleigh from 6 pm. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

"Customers purchase them in large quantities, and as the evening approaches, our business gets increasingly busy. Unlike regular days, we open around noon when customers begin shopping for their iftar preparations," Wachira explains how watermelon provides a refreshing and nutritious way to hydrate and replenish energy levels after a day of fasting for the Muslim community.

Throughout the night, Muslims in different parts of Eastleigh stay up later than usual to attend special prayers. They flock to different mosques around the streets for Taraweh prayers, a particular evening prayer held throughout Ramadan or engage in other religious activities. The usual late-night traffic may be quieter as people prioritise prayer and reflection during this holy month.

Muslims praying at the Masjid Sahaba in Eastleigh. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

The atmosphere is one of devotion as individuals strive to make the most of the special blessings. After the Taraweh prayers, they disperse into various groups, some engaging in storytelling while others hurriedly return to restaurants for a cup of tea, or coffee and food to replenish their energy.