Londoners express joy as Ramadan lights return to London

LONDON

Returning for its fourth year, the UK's first and largest Ramadan light display once again illuminates Coventry Street in London, attracting crowds and public interest.

London's Ramadan lights are back again, lighting up the heart of the West End as the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on Friday took part in the switch-on celebrations for the lights ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

More than 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights will shine nightly from 5 pm to 5 am local time until the end of Ramadan on March 19.

The display reads "Happy Ramadan" throughout the holy month, before switching overnight to "Happy Eid" next month.

The Ramadan lights have returned to the city for the fourth year as many people visit Coventry Street to see and take photos of the display.

Heather, who is in her 60s, is one of them, and she told Anadolu that she found the lights "lovely."

"I think it is great that we can celebrate all faiths and be totally inclusive in London. It is brilliant, really nice, really nice to see," she said.

Heather added that all nationalities and faiths are here in London, and that she likes seeing everyone celebrate it.

For his part, Dylan, an 18-year-old Christian, said: "As much as I believe that England is a Christian country, I also think that London is a very diverse city."

Dylan said that he believes they need to love neighbors who come from different religious backgrounds.

"Maybe sometimes we don't agree with someone, but as a Christian, I believe we should at least have the respect to let people think what they want to think," he said.

"I'm Christian. I have Muslim friends here with me today. It's just all about friendship. And that's how I see it," he added.

Also speaking to Anadolu, Ramsha, another London resident, said she feels happy when she sees the Ramadan lights.

"There are a large number of Muslims in London, and seeing our tradition and religion be celebrated makes us feel very included, and it's very pretty to look at," she noted.

Saying that she even comes and sees the Christmas lights, Ramsha said she believes lots of non-Muslims also come and see the Ramadan lights, "because it just looks nice and it makes you feel happy."

"For people who don't know about Ramadan, this is a good way for them to know that ... it's a festival for Muslims going on right now."