Ramadan in Kashmir – Drums at dawn, fasts of faith, nights of devotion

For Kashmir’s young fasters Ramadan is a test of will a bond of faith

In the holy month of Ramadan, life in Kashmir takes on a new routine. The streets come alive before dawn with Seharkhwaans waking people for Sehri, while markets bustle in the evenings as families prepare for Iftar. Mosques remain filled with worshippers offering Taraweeh prayers, marking a time of devotion and community.

In the holy month of Ramadan, life in Kashmir takes on a new routine. The streets come alive before dawn with Seharkhwaans waking people for Sehri, while markets bustle in the evenings as families prepare for Iftar. Mosques remain filled with worshippers offering Taraweeh prayers, marking a time of devotion and community.
The streets of Srinagar were wrapped in a thin layer of fresh snow, the air crisp and sharp, biting at the wooden doors and tin roofs. The silence of the sleeping city was only broken by the occasional bark of a stray dog, a lonely sound echoing through the narrow lanes, fading into the frozen hush of the night. Then, a sound that had echoed through generations, “Boom Boom Boom. Waqt e Sehr, Waqt e Sehr”.

The sounds were loud enough to wake up 12-year-old Mehreen Iqbal, for whom this Ramadan is special. The young girl from Nowhatta, Srinagar, is observing her first-ever fast this year. Like many families in the Valley, Mehreen’s day started early. The Seharkhwaan’s drumbeats echoed through the narrow lanes as her mother, Shakeela Begum, woke her up for Sehri. She joined her family at the dastarkhan, where they shared Noon Chai, the traditional pink, salted tea, Girda, Athi Tschoti or chapatis, and rice before the Fajr Azaan signalled the start of the fast. With the school reopening delayed by a week due to prevailing weather conditions, Iqbal had the chance to stay home and fully experience Ramadan.

“I feel excited to fast with my family. It makes me feel grown up,” Iqbal tells Media India Group. 
“By the afternoon, hunger and thirst really tested my patience, but I stayed determined to finish my fast. It is tough, but I know it is worth it. Last year, two of my classmates fasted for 10 days and got extra Eidi and gifts from their parents. I loved seeing their excitement, and it made me hopeful that I might get the same this year. It keeps me motivated to stick with my fasting journey,” adds the child, with barely-hidden excitement.

As Ramadan approaches, parents in Kashmir are focussing on more than just the shopping and festivities. The holy month presents a valuable opportunity for families to teach children the deeper meaning of Ramadan, guiding them through the significance of fasting, prayer, charity and empathy.

Like Iqbal, for many young people, this Ramadan marks their first real experience with the month, and parents are dedicated to making it meaningful by explaining its spiritual purpose. The month becomes a time to reflect on personal growth, strengthen family bonds, and build a stronger connection to faith.
‘This Ramadan holds a special significance for me and my family, as it marks a very special milestone in our lives. My child is observing his fast for the very first time, and this year’s Ramadan feels like a festival to us, filled with anticipation and excitement. It is a beautiful moment that brings so much joy and reflection for our family,” Refat Misra Wani, from Handwara in Kupwara district, tells Media India Group.

“Over the past month, I have been preparing my child not just physically but also mentally and spiritually for this blessed month. It is not just about fasting from food and drink, it is a time to build a deeper connection with Allah, to strengthen our faith, and to grow in our understanding of the importance of this month,” Wani adds.
“For me, as a parent, it is a time to guide and nurture my child, instilling in him the importance of devotion, discipline, and dedication in his worship. In the lead-up to Ramadan, I focussed on ensuring that my child becomes punctual with his Salah. I believe that instilling the habit of regular prayers is key to making him feel more spiritually connected. It was important for me to make sure that he is not just fasting in terms of abstaining from food but also learning to engage fully with the spiritual practices that Ramadan brings,” she adds.

Ramadan is the month of opportunities and spiritual purification, teaching the value of caring for the less fortunate. Many believers dedicate this sacred time to seeking forgiveness, setting aside all other commitments to focus entirely on their faith.

Kulsum Ahad, a scholar in the Department of Social Work at the University of Kashmir, says for her Ramadan is about peace and tranquillity.
“Ramadan is the holy month that brings a profound sense of tranquility and faith. It is not merely a month; it is an opportunity for us to rebuild and strengthen our connection with Allah. As Ramadan approaches, the blessings of the Almighty become evident in nature. One can feel an overwhelming sense of calmness and inner satisfaction. Negativity fades away, making way for positivity to flourish in its purest form. In such a spiritually uplifting environment, how can one not strive to draw closer to the Creator?”, says Ahad.

Some students say that balancing academics and spirituality during Ramadan is a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience for them. Many make a conscious effort to align their daily routines with both their educational commitments and the spiritual essence of the holy month. For some, this means carefully planning their schedules to fulfill their religious obligations while maintaining their academic performance.
“I have started to adjust my daily routine to accommodate both my academic responsibilities and the spiritual focus of the holy month. As a college student who attends classes every day, I meticulously plan my schedule. I wake up early to offer a few rakats of prayer as Tahajjud, says, Abrar Irshad Gada, a 6th semester student in Department of Media Studies and Research  Center at Government Boys Collage Baramulla.
“I plan for Suhoor to ensure I have a nourishing meal before dawn, and I set aside time after classes for prayer. I have also arranged my study and rest periods to cope with the fasting hours, ensuring I remain focused and energised throughout the day. I am coordinating with fellow students to share in the community spirit of Ramadan from breaking the fast together to attending campus-led prayer sessions,” Abrar, tells Media India Group. Abrar

For many students, observing Ramadan away from home comes with unique challenges, especially when living in rented accommodation. The experience of fasting without the warmth and support of family feels significantly different, as the shared excitement, collective preparations, and moments of togetherness are often missing.

Sawaya Ashraf, a postgraduate student in Disaster Management Studies at the University of Kashmir, reflects on this contrast, highlighting the emotional and practical differences between fasting at home and while living independently.
“On the other hand, when living in a rented place, it feels different. There is no family around, and the preparation is limited. It is usually just me and my roommate, and while we manage, the festive spirit is not quite the same. The sense of belonging and the joy of sharing these moments with family is truly missed,” Ashraf, tells Media India Group.   

Despite the challenges, Ramadan in Kashmir remains a time of faith and togetherness. The Seharkhwaan’s drum at dawn, shared iftars, and Taraweeh prayers bring a deep sense of connection. For some, it is a first fast; for others, a time of reflection. Even those far from home find comfort in small rituals. As the crescent moon signals Eid, the lessons of patience, gratitude, and compassion endure beyond Ramadan’s final day.