Ramadan in Iran, like other Islamic countries, is celebrated with its own customs.

Ramadan begins and ends with seeing the crescent moon in the sky. 9th month of Islamic lunar calendar is Ramadan. The beginning and end of this month are different in Muslims countries depending on when they see the moon, so Predicting the exact date of Ramadan is impossible.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast in such a way that they abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk (sunrise to sunset). Also, Muslims are told to read the holy book of Islam, Quran every night. Practices such as not telling lie, being nice to people, being kind to animals, helping the poor and to have a greater sense of understanding are among the other

 Fasting begins with Sahari (a breakfast eaten before sunrise- pre fast breakfast), which is usually cooked food such as rice and stew or Helim, and for some it is a heavy breakfast. And ends with Iftari‌ (dinner that is eaten after sunset) which is usually milk, ‌dates, ‌tea, boiling water, bread and vegetable and cheese, Ash-e Reshteh, Shole Zard (yellow flakes)

Fasting is obligatory except for pregnant women, children, people with medical conditions, and travelers. People are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke on the street or in public. Of course, this does not mean that no place is open and you who came to Iran as a traveler or tourist must also fast. some restaurants are open as takeaway, in addition to hotels and hypermarkets.

Some important ritual that is held in this month:

1- The special sweet of this month is Zoolbia and Bamieh, which is cooked in this month and is usually seen at the Iftar table.

2- Mosques are lit up on this month

3- Vows (drinks or food for free) ‌ or Iftari are distributed in mosques and streets

4- In the 19^th and 21^st of Ramadan, people wear black clothes and hold chest-beating ceremonies

5- The last 10 days of Ramadan are especially important. The 19^th of Ramadan is the night of the beating of Imam Ali (the first Shiite Imam) and the 21^st is his martyrdom.

6- Ghadr night, which is said Quran to have been revealed to the Prophet on that night, is of special importance, and Muslims wake up until sunrise and pray and recite the Qur'an.

7- On Quds Day, the last Friday of Ramadan, people march in the streets.

8- And finally, seeing the crescent moon, the month of Ramadan ends and Shawwal begins. Fasting is forbidden on this day, and everyone celebrates and take part in communal prayers. This day is called Eid al-Fitr.

If you are traveling to Iran as a tourist on Ramadan, do not worry at all and do not change your schedule, ‌because after Iftar you can see the bustle of people in the streets, cafes and restaurants, ‌participate in special ceremony and taste the special foods of this month, in this month you can see Iran differently.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the article. Wonderful Iran Tour will be delighted to read your lovely ideas in the comments. If you have any questions regarding the subject or you want to visit Iran in Ramadan, our expert guides would be glad to help you.