Golra cannons keep Ramazan tradition alive

Even though the new generation relies on mobile timers to mark Sehri and Iftar, the powerful echo of traditional "Golas" fired at Golra Sharif Darbar in Islamabad continues to shake the skies, proving that some Ramazan traditions are too meaningful to fade with time.

While alarms and notifications now dictate fasting schedules, historic Golas (cannons) fired from Golra still roar from E-11 to Margalla Hills, signalling Sehri and Iftar and keeping a centuries-old Ramazan tradition alive across Islamabad.

Baber Ahmad, who is responsible for firing the cannons, said, "Every boom of the cannon connects people to tradition and faith, and no digital alarm can replace the feeling of hearing a Gola echo across the city."

Babar's daily duty has become a symbol of continuity, linking generations through a ritual that transcends time. Explaining the workings of the cannon firing, he shared that, in Golra, the designated individual is responsible for igniting the fuse, allowing enough time for it to reach the mould before the explosion occurs and echoes through the air.

Locals and visitors gather along rooftops and streets to witness the thunderous sound, embracing a moment that blends devotion, history and community, proving that even in a digital age, some traditions continue to resonate louder than any alarm or timer.

The ritual of firing cannons is not just a call to fasting or breaking it; it is a reminder of Golra Sharif's spiritual heritage as it draws people together in a shared experience of faith. Children watch wide-eyed as the smoke rises and elders recall memories of past Ramazans. It reinforces a sense of identity and belonging.

Despite rapid urbanisation and technological change, the echo of cannons over the Margalla Hills remains a defining sound of Ramazan in Islamabad, ensuring that centuries-old customs continue to thrive alongside modern life.