Columbus is poised to host its second annual Ramadan Night Market, a vibrant event designed to bring together the community and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. Taking place on March 21, 2025, this festival will transform the Focus Learning Academy of Northern Columbus into a lively marketplace filled with diverse vendors, delicious food, and educational opportunities regarding Ramadan.
The event, organized by Rahma Abdullahi, logistics coordinator and sister of Ohio State Rep. Munira Abdullahi, aims to attract both Muslims and non-Muslims to participate in this celebration. As noted by Abdullahi, "You don't have to be Muslim to attend. We are just coming to eat together and learn more about Ramadan with food and clothes." This inclusive approach seeks to foster understanding and appreciation for the customs and traditions of the Muslim community.
The Columbus Ramadan Night Market will be held from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday, featuring up to 70 vendors offering an array of halal food options, crafts, and cultural items. Tickets are available online for $8 or $15 at the door, and children under the age of 10 can enter for free. The event encourages guests to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues, enhancing the experience for attendees.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Muslim American Society, Columbus Chapter, and contribute to the efforts of Alpha Lambda Mu, a student fraternity at Ohio State University, to build a mosque on campus. This partnership highlights the event's communal spirit and its focus to support local Muslim initiatives.
Last year's event attracted nearly 1,500 visitors, and Abdullahi expects this year's turnout to surpass that figure. With the involvement of local businesses such as Burgers N' Smiles, AnA Shawarma, Qahwah House, Cha Sha & Coffee, and Vara Juice, the event is filled with culinary delights aimed at showcasing Muslim-owned ventures.
Moreover, this year's festival will prioritize easing long lines at food vendor stations by utilizing the Dine app. Abdullahi hopes to create a seamless experience for attendees while promoting halal food businesses in the area. "It's kind of a big social event. It's a nice way to connect to the community," Abdullahi explained.
The event isn't just unique to Columbus; it follows a growing trend initiated by previous festivals, with the first iteration, Suhoor Fest, taking place in Dearborn, Michigan. Since then, organizations across central Ohio have started to host similar events, fostering a sense of oasis during the sacred month.
Safety is also a priority for the Columbus Ramadan Night Market, with security personnel set to ensure guest safety during the late-night hours. This initiative aims to provide a comfortable and secure environment as families and friends gather to celebrate together.
In addition to the Night Market, there are also other events to look forward to, such as an Ohio Night Festival scheduled for March 28, 2025. This event will occur at another location in Columbus, allowing for more community gatherings during this meaningful time.
With Ramadan being a month marked by fasting, reflection, and prayer, events like the Columbus Ramadan Night Market become essential. They provide a space for fellowship and education, allowing for cultural exchange, understanding, and celebrating diversity among the local populace.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of attracting the non-Muslim community to participate: "We really want to use this as a form of dawah and promote halal food businesses." The sentiment behind this festival encapsulates the spirit of Ramadan, inviting everyone to join in celebration through food, commerce, and camaraderie.
As the event draws near, schedule adjustments will be made to accommodate fasting hours. The coordination during this process highlights the communal effort and planning that comes with hosting such an event.
Ultimately, the Columbus Ramadan Night Market stands not only as a celebration of Ramadan but also as a testament to community resilience and diversity. As it unfolds, it promises a night of joy, connection, and enlightenment for all who attend, cementing its role in the cultural fabric of Columbus.
