The traditions and customs of welcoming the holy month of Ramadan vary from country to country, with some cultures exhibiting unique and strange rituals. Here are some of the unusual traditions during Ramadan around the world, according to Daily News Egypt:
**Chechnya**
On the morning of the first day of Ramadan, Chechens visit the graves of their relatives and hold Sufi gatherings. Children born during the holy month are named "Ramadan" for boys and "Marha" for girls.
**Tajikistan**
During the holy month, children roam neighborhoods in groups carrying bags to collect gifts while singing cheerful songs. Muslims break their fast with tea and a milk drink known as "Shershay."
**Maldives**
The Maldivian people go to the beaches on the last night of Shaaban to sight the crescent moon with the naked eye. The iftar meal typically includes seafood and fish during Ramadan.
**Indonesia**
Schools and universities are given a one-week break to help people adjust to fasting. Traditional drums called "Bodok" are played to celebrate the arrival of the holy month.
**Pakistan**
The people of Pakistan hold a grand celebration where all children fasting for the first time gather to encourage them, wearing gold-painted head coverings for distinction. Young people in Pakistan, especially in Peshawar, engage in an old-fashioned game called "Egg Fighting," which involves using brightly colored boiled eggs to break opponents' eggs. This game has been played for generations in Pakistan.
**Mauritania**
A popular tradition among Mauritanians during Ramadan is to read the entire Quran in one night. Men shave their heads before Ramadan to grow new hair during the month, which they call "Ramadan Hair." Many young people tend to get married during Ramadan to bless their unions.
**Nigeria**
Wealthy families host the poor for iftar daily as an annual tradition during Ramadan.
**Uganda**
In Uganda, people fast for 12 hours due to the equator passing through the country. Relatives and neighbors gather every day at one house to have a communal iftar, with bananas being a staple in the meal.
**Thailand**
Muslim families in Thailand sacrifice cattle or birds during Ramadan, and neighbors exchange iftar meals. Women gather in large yards in front of their homes to eat together.
**Yemen**
In Yemen, people paint their homes and buy new utensils during Ramadan, paying more attention to decorating iftar tables in the streets and holding celebrations.
**Sri Lanka**
Upon sighting the Ramadan crescent, people decorate their homes, and restaurants and cafes close until iftar, while other temporary shops open to provide food and drinks near mosques during Ramadan.
**Bangladesh**
One of the most significant traditions in Bangladesh during Ramadan is buying religious books, with a massive book fair held at the beginning of the month that continues until the end of Ramadan.
**Russia**
Fasting periods in Russia sometimes extend up to 22 hours, making it one of the longest fasting durations in the world. However, people remain committed to fasting and praying in mosques. In Moscow, the Ramadan tent is an important event, and a genuine Ramadan tradition, accommodating over 600 people. Fasters prefer "Kvas," a traditional drink during Ramadan.
**Kazakhstan**
Muslims joyfully welcome Ramadan, with newcomers returning to celebrate the month with their families. They also sacrifice animals. One of the significant customs involves a large iftar feast held at the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, which can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, and the head of state attends the iftar. People there break their fast with camel or horse milk, and a famous Ramadan dish is lamb with rice and nuts.
