Sadiq Khan has switched on London’s Ramadan lights, describing the display as a “shining symbol of the kind of city we are”.
The Mayor joined the official switch-on ceremony in central London, marking the start of a month-long installation celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. The illuminated display, featuring the message “Happy Ramadan”, has been funded by the Aziz Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships to British Muslims.
Several buildings across the capital were also lit green, a colour traditionally associated with Islam, to mark the occasion. Sir Sadiq said he was proud to take part in the celebrations, calling the lights “a shining symbol of the kind of city we are inclusive, welcoming and proud to celebrate all our communities”.
He said, “I am really pleased that year after year, here in the heart of our city, we celebrate all the great festivals from around the world that are celebrated in London. We celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Easter, we celebrate Hanukkah, we celebrate Diwali, we celebrate Vaisakhi, and of course we celebrate Eid.”
The installation, now in its fourth year, features more than 30,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs and will be lit daily between 5pm and 5am. On March 18, the message will change to “Happy Eid”, remaining in place until March 24.
Khan also urged people of all faiths, and those who do not follow any religion, to come together during Ramadan. He told the crowd, “There are those around the world, there are those in Europe, there are those in this country and this city who are sowing the seeds of division, sowing the seeds of hatred and sowing the seeds of fear. One of the jobs we have to do during this month of Ramadan, whether you’re a Muslim, or a non-Muslim, is show that London is the antidote of that hatred, we are the antithesis for all they believe in.
“During this month, please if you’re a Muslim, open your fast with a non-Muslim. If you’re a non-Muslim, ask one of your Muslim friends, why are you so miserable? And they’ll tell you because fasting is hard, maybe go along and break fast with a Muslim friend.”
