Celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan 2025 in the Lower Hudson Valley with these local community dinners and events.
Every year, Muslims devote the ninth month of the Muslim calendar to fasting and praying during sunlight hours as a “means of drawing closer to God” and practicing self-control and gratitude.
After sundown, members of the Muslim community often gather to share a communal meal, called an iftar, and break their fast together.
This year, Ramadan begins the evening of Friday, Feb. 28, and lasts until the evening of Saturday, March 29. Many Lower Hudson Valley Muslim organizations are hosting community iftars throughout the holy month. Read on to find an iftar or Ramadan celebration near you.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the Muslim calendar, according to the Islamic Networks Group, a nonprofit organization promoting understanding of the Islamic religion and peace between marginalized groups.
The holiday follows the lunar calendar, which means dates shift every year, but the holiday typically falls between late winter and early spring and lasts about 30 days.
“Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers,” the Islamic Networks Group said.
During Ramadan, followers of Islam honor and commemorate the time when the Qu’ran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammed. Observance of the holiday is considered one of the five Pillars of Islam.
Muslim people spend sunrise to sunset fasting from all food, most drinks and other vices, including tobacco, sexual behaviors and other behavior considered “sinful,” by the Qu’ran. Followers are instructed to use the time to pray five times a day, self-reflect and “cultivate gratitude and compassion for the less fortunate.”
Pregnant women, older adults, children and those with serious illnesses are exempt from fasting. The only food and drink people are allowed to consume to break fast during the day are dates and water.
When the sun sets, Muslim community members gather with their families or congregations to break their fast in a community meal, referred to as the iftar. Before the sun rises, Muslims will eat a pre-dawn meal, called a suhoor, then prepare for another 11 to 16 hours of fasting.
Many Lower Hudson Valley mosques also host community service projects such as food drives and fundraisers for charity, as a form of almsgiving. Some mosques also invite non-Muslims to visit their places of worship for iftars and foster open communication and harmony within their communities.
When does Ramadan 2025 start?
The month of Ramadan traditionally begins each Muslim calendar year with the sighting of the crescent moon. However, in modern years, the month has been pre-determined by astronomical calculations.
Lailat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, is the holiest night of Ramadan. It falls on the 27th night of the month and is believed to be the night that the Qu’ran was revealed to Muhammed. On this day, mosques are open all night and hold vigil prayers.
When does Ramadan 2025 end?
The month of Ramadan ends on the sunset of the 29th or 30th day in a holiday called Eid al-Fitr, or “The Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
Children typically receive new clothes, money and other presents from family and friends. Communities will gather for big celebrations and a grand meal to break the fast.
Upper Westchester Muslim Society hosting community iftars during Ramadan
The Upper Westchester Muslim Society in Pleasantville is hosting community iftars every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the holy month at the UWMS Community Center.
Six families can sign up to host the meal each day of the weekend. Families can make their own arrangements for food or can ask for assistance from the Muslim Society. There is a $90 per family hosting charge to cover the cost of paper goods, table covers, dates, water, tea and cleaning. Click here to sign up for Iftar hosting.
UWMS is also hosting Isha and Tawareeh evening prayers at 7:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 and at 9 p.m. Friday, March 21.
The Muslim Society’s annual Ramadan fundraiser and iftar will be held Saturday, March 15 at the UWMS Community Center at 600 Bear Ridge Road in Pleasantville.
