Ramadan cannon brings delight for children and nostalgia for adults

TDT | Manama

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In the Kingdom of Bahrain, the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan is announced by a sound that goes beyond the ears — it touches the heart.

The Iftar Cannon has become a beloved symbol of Ramadan, deeply embedded in the spiritual charm and warm, communal atmosphere that define the Kingdom.

It is more than just a signal; it is a source of delight for children and a nostalgic reminder for adults.

The story of the Ramadan cannon in Bahrain is a journey through time, stretching back to the 1930s.

Echoes

Its first echoes rang out from the historic Port of Manama, where it served as an important communal clock, uniting people around the rhythm of daily life.

As the Kingdom grew, so did this cherished tradition. What began at a single seaside location eventually expanded to all four governorates Capital, Muharraq, Northern, and Southern ensuring that the cannon’s thunderous announcement reaches every corner of the community.

The firing of the cannon follows a precise and celebratory protocol, eagerly anticipated by the public.

Each shot carries its own significance: eight shots mark the official start of Ramadan after the Maghrib prayer, a single shot signals Iftar each evening, and another marks Imsak, the start of the pre-dawn fast.

Farewell

The tradition reaches its crescendo at the month’s end, with eight shots fired upon sighting the Eid crescent to bid farewell to Ramadan, followed by a final eight-shot salute on Eid Al-Fitr to celebrate the festival.

While this practice has disappeared in many parts of the world, Bahrain has preserved it as a living piece of Arab and Islamic cultural heritage.

Even in the age of digital clocks, the deep, resonant sound of the cannon remains the most authentic way to bring the community together, connecting past and present in a shared celebration of faith and tradition.