TRANSCRIPT
From twinkling lanterns to crescent moons, Ramadan decorations are transforming shops and homes across Australia.
For Sydney mother of three Kai Sari [[kay sah-ree]], decorating her home for Ramadan has become a family tradition.
"I love the fact that a lot of the people are starting to decorate a lot more for Ramadan time. You drive some past somebody's house and you see it is all decorated and it looks absolutely stunning. There's a high demand and there's a lot of people wanting to start buying stuff. But I think the trick is to buy in advance. Don't wait until the week before Ramadan because that is when it all starts to run out."
As Ms Sari explains, Ramadan is also becoming a way for Muslim communities to share their culture.
"Ramadan for me and my family, it's not just here, it's not just for my Muslim friends, we have a lot of friends that aren't Muslims, and they come and break fast with us as well at night. I like them to see our culture the same way that they show us, their culture like Christmas and stuff. So for me I like to bring them into our home, open up our home, cook a nice meal for themand also just show them what Ramadan is about because it's a very giving month."
Australian businesses are also recognising an economic opportunity to tap into the needs of the country’s Muslim population.
Business owner Sayo Bakri [[sigh-yo bek-ree]] says demand for Ramadan decorations has surged at her Sydney shop.
"My shop started from a small (amount of) Ramadan decorations, so every year it changes because every year we bring different quantities and this year we have so much quantity. Ramadan decorations this year are very different, because we have a lot of orders because everyone is going to make their houses nice so we have a lot of Ramadan decorations."
And it’s not just specialty stores - some big retailers also now stock Ramadan items .
This year, Nestle has released a box of Ramadan Kit-Kat characters.
Kai Sari says the expanded product ranges are welcome.
"Even Coles and Woolwoorths, everyone is starting to carry stuff for Ramadan from the dates, to the Kit Kat chocolates. Everyone is starting to be aware a lot more of Ramadan and the things that they sell so you can get (everything) from dining plates to so many things now. We're not limited any more to just a light or moon or a star. They've got so many things in everywhere now."
Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from daybreak to sunset, celebrate with their families and donate to charity, as a way of practising their spiritual beliefs.
For children, Ramadan is a time for reflection but also for joy.
"The countdown box is quite big and it has the 30 days of Ramadan. So every day they finish and they break fast, they get to open it. Inside each box, there's like either a Kinder surprise or money or something a treat. It's like a reward that they get every time they finish fasting the day."
More than than just festive displays, Ramadan decorations are a symbol of community, culture, and connection.
