Across India’s urban landscapes, an innovative cultural initiative is transforming Ramadan traditions into powerful tools for interfaith dialogue and community building. What began as a passion project among Delhi enthusiasts in 2012 has evolved into a nationwide movement that brings together Muslims and non-Muslims through shared culinary experiences and meaningful conversations.
DelhiByFoot Adventures, the pioneering organization behind these Ramadan food walks, has expanded its operations to include Kolkata and Hyderabad, demonstrating growing interest in cross-cultural engagement. The program ‘Iftar Sey Sehari Tak’ (From Iftar to Sehri) offers midnight walking tours during Ramadan that have attracted both local residents and international visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion.
Ramit Mitra, co-founder of the initiative, emphasizes its inclusive nature: ‘We have included people from all cultures and faiths, helping to bring them closer to each other.’ The concept emerged from shared passions and a mutual appreciation for Delhi’s rich cultural offerings, but has since developed into a meaningful platform for intercultural exchange.
The organization has curated diverse experiences ranging from Iftar celebrations inside Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid to intimate home gatherings featuring traditional Ramadan foods from Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Bhopal. These home-based events often occur in the residences of artists, musicians, calligraphers, and food historians, providing unique insights into regional culinary traditions.
Remarkably, the majority of participants in these community-led events come from non-Muslim backgrounds. They attend not only for the sumptuous Iftar spreads but also for discussions about fasting practices, religious philosophies, and shared human experiences across different faith traditions.
For Ramadan 2026, the organization has developed special programming including Iftar celebrations at the homes of Hindustani Classical vocal musicians and curated menus featuring dishes from Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Karnataka. The events feature food historians presenting royal family recipes and pop-up menus inspired by nawabi traditions.
The initiative now includes overnight walks from Iftar to Sehri in Delhi and Mumbai, plus a four-day Ramadan special tour in Hyderabad. Each city offers distinct culinary experiences, with Ramadan markets in Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bhopal providing unique regional flavors and cultural insights.
Through these shared meals and conversations, participants not only explore India’s diverse culinary heritage but also establish emotional connections with hosts, exchanging childhood memories of Ramadan and other festivals that once united communities across religious boundaries.