Ramadan lights return to London for 3rd year

By Behlul Cetinkaya

LONDON (AA) - London's West End has been lit up ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

For the third year in a row, Ramadan Lights have been installed in central London as part of celebrations for Ramadan, which this year is set to begin in early March.

Organized by the Aziz Foundation, "Happy Ramadan" lights were switched on along Coventry Street by Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, on Wednesday evening.

Speaking at the event, Khan said that London stands against all forms of hatred with its respect for diversity.

Saying that London was the first city in the Western countries to put up Ramadan decorations, the mayor stressed that these lights are the antidote to Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred.

The Ramadan lights, with more than 30,000 LED bulbs, will light up London nights from 5 pm to 5 am until March 29.

Ramadan is marked by fasting during daylight hours, prayer, reflection, and community, as well as giving aid to the poor.