Dawn blast begins fast

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Over the past few days since the start of Ramadan, a deep, resonant boom has echoed across Bahrain, marking the rhythm of the holy month.

The Ramadan cannon, once a wartime tool, now signals the start of fasting in the morning and Iftar at sunset, uniting communities through faith, tradition, and heritage.

At the heart of this centuries-old practice are the officers from the Ministry of Interior.

Usually, three to four officers are assigned per cannon, and from their perspective, they are not merely performing a duty - they are torchbearers of a cherished heritage.

Safety

Coordinating closely with their chief, they ensure each blast is ceremonial, precise, and meaningful, with pride visible in their eyes as they carry the city’s shared tradition forward, while also ensuring the safety of spectators around them.

Across Manama, Muharraq, Northern, and Southern governorates, the cannon is fired with precision each day throughout Ramadan.

Ten minutes before Fajr, its echo reminds residents that the fast is about to begin.

As evening descends, 15 seconds before Maghrib, it signals the joyful moment to break the fast, carrying across rooftops, alleys, and open squares.

Iftar

In Manama and Muharraq, the cannon is fired both at dawn and dusk, while in the Northern and Southern governorates, it is fired only at Maghrib to mark Iftar.

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

At the month’s end, the tradition culminates with eight shots at the sighting of the Eid crescent and a final eight-shot salute on Eid Al-Fitr.

Even in an age of digital reminders, the cannon’s boom remains the most authentic way to unite the community, bridging past and present.

Each resounding blast carries whispers of centuries, the pulse of the city, and the quiet joy of Ramadan, still thrilling both locals and expats alike.