Breaking the fast during Ramzan has mostly meant visiting crowded markets and bustling food streets in Delhi. But this year, as the sun begins to set at Sunder Nursery, checkered picnic blankets are spread across the lawns while families and groups of friends unpack fruit chaat, dates, and homemade snacks. Between children running around and friends adjusting decor for photos, Delhiites are turning iftar into an intimate outdoor gathering, with picnic-style celebrations emerging as this Ramzan’s popular social ritual.
Food spreads include fruits, dates, pakoras, chaat, dahi bade, cupcakes, sandwiches and drinks like roohafza and lemonade (Pics: @layba_ahmad, @muskan_2212)
‘Iftar picnics can help promote our culture’Content creator Layba Ahmad, 26, recently organised an iftar picnic with her friends. “We added a cute picnic bedsheet, a Ramzan Mubarak sign, moon cutout hangings, and warm lights. Since we’re all content creators, we really focused on presentation. We wanted everything to look like a dreamy aesthetic. It honestly felt very Pinterest-y.”While social media is a major factor driving this trend, emotional relevance remains important. “Picnics are for fun but going out during Ramzan to break our fasts together in public spaces can promote our culture and help us connect with others,” shares Ilma Nabi, 21, who planned a picnic at Sunder Nursery with her cousins last year and is planning another one soon.
Delhiites decorated their spread with plants, fairy lights and Ramzan decor including custom cake, catering stand to arrange the assorted fruits on (Pics: @ilmanabii, @muskan_2212)
‘Delhi romanticises these moments’Layba reiterates that social media has inspired this trend. “We’d seen so many iftar picnic ideas on Instagram and Pinterest. But places like Sunder Nursery and Lodhi Garden really set the mood. Delhi’s green spaces make it so easy to romanticise simple moments like this.”
Ramzan evenings are finding a new rhythm – one where faith, food and friendship unfold under the open sky (AI image)
Master’s student Iqra Khan, 23, shares, “Sharing iftar with family and friends in the open air while watching the sun set in Sunder Nursery felt like a beautiful and meaningful experience.” After planning for two weeks with her friends, content creator, Muskan Ali, 25, organised a potluck picnic at Baansera Park. “The main idea was simply to have a girls’ meet-up during Ramadan and break our fast together. We wanted to enjoy Delhi’s open spaces, so Baansera Park felt like the perfect spot,” she shares. Jama Masjid remains a classic iftar outing hauntFor 23-year-old Kashifa Nadeem’s family, an iftar at Jama Masjid is an annual tradition. “It is just about taking a day out with everyone together and breaking the fast with those who are observing Ramzan. Trying a new space would be like keeping the tradition alive but with a change of ambience,” she says. Aasma Shakuli, 25, a Masters’ student, shares her experience, “I recently went to Jama Masjid for iftar with my family. We hadn’t planned a picnic and had only brought some fruits, but people around us began sharing their food – chana, fried crisps, pakoras and more. Their kindness made the experience really special.”
Creating aesthetics that look like Pinterest-y and Instagrammable are the driving force behind these picnics (Pics: @muskan_2212, @layba_ahmad)
Celebrating the culture togetherRamzan is a time when Delhi’s food streets and open spaces light up after sunset. The intention remains the same whether the format of celebration changes. “My friends and I found a spot under a tree facing the monument, spread out our mat with pizza, juice and snacks, and spent the afternoon there. With tea and snack sellers around, it was a really comfortable picnic and would be great for iftar,” Aasma says.Muskan explains how an iftar picnic inevitably turns into an Eid planning session with the girls. “Being outdoors gives a completely different vibe and makes iftar feel more special. The best part is that everyone ends up chatting about Eid plans and shopping, which makes the whole evening more exciting.”
