As Lunar New Year (Tet) festivities unfold across the city, a Cham Muslim community in Ho Chi Minh City enters the sacred month of Ramadan.
On the first day of Lunar New Year 2026, Alley 157 on Duong Ba Trac Street in Chanh Hung Ward, the entrance to a residential area of Cham Muslims adjacent to Jamiul Anwar Mosque, was strung with decorative lanterns in anticipation of the holiday.
Yet in front of the houses lining the narrow lane, there were no fresh flowers or elaborate decorations typically associated with Tet elsewhere in the city.
In contrast to the lively bustle on the main road, life inside the alley remained calm and unhurried, much like any ordinary day.
Alley 157 on Duong Ba Trac Street was decorated ahead of Lunar New Year to welcome Ramadan. Photo by Ha Nguyen.
Solihad, 55, who lives next to Jamiul Anwar Mosque, shared: “As Muslims, we do not celebrate Lunar New Year, so most families do not decorate or prepare for Tet.
However, influenced by the surrounding culture, we still gather and cook a few familiar dishes to share, creating a sense of festivity.”
Kim So, Imam of Jamiul Anwar Mosque, affirmed that in recent years, some parishioners in the alley have joined in the general Tet atmosphere alongside the surrounding community.
Imam Kim So. Photo by Ha Nguyen.
According to him, “celebrating Tet with neighbors” mainly means sharing in the festive spirit and maintaining bonds with those living nearby. Some families may decorate their homes for cheer. Nevertheless, parishioners strictly observe religious rules, refraining from parties or the consumption of alcohol.
“Muslims do not have Lunar New Year, but due to cultural influence and close ties with the community, we still share in the joy of Tet. My children and grandchildren buy flowers and decorations to brighten the house,” Kim So said.
“During Tet, I also visit and extend New Year greetings to local agencies, organizations and Vietnamese friends. However, Muslims continue to follow religious principles - no feasts, no alcohol.
Neighbors in the alley mainly drop by to chat and share bottled water or soft drinks, keeping the atmosphere warm and simple.”
Imam Kim So’s family buys flowers and Tet decorations to adorn their home. Photo by Ha Nguyen.
Fasting throughout Tet
Kim So noted that this year’s Tet is more special than usual for the Muslim community. The second day of the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026 coincides with the first day of fasting in Ramadan for Cham Muslims.
Ramadan, also known as the fasting month, is one of the most important periods for Muslims. During this time, believers abstain from eating, drinking and smoking, and even limit swallowing saliva during daylight hours.
Traditionally, they observe Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and Iftar, the meal after sunset.
During Ramadan, the alley suddenly becomes lively and bustling. Photo by Ha Nguyen.
“For outsiders entering the alley during Tet this year, it feels very special,” Kim So said. “Outside, people are feasting and celebrating Tet, while inside the alley, parishioners are fasting and abstaining.”
Still, the atmosphere during this period is far from somber. On the contrary, it is when the small alley becomes its most vibrant and crowded time of the year.
The alley attracts visitors eager to experience Ramadan cuisine and culture. Photo by Ha Nguyen.
During Ramadan, residents prepare and sell a variety of foods to serve Muslim believers from across the city who come to purchase meals for the evening breaking of the fast. Domestic and international visitors also come to explore and experience the culinary offerings and cultural life of the alley.
Ramadan is also a time for Muslim families in the alley to reunite. Children perform a ritual of asking their mothers for forgiveness, expressing repentance and clearing past misunderstandings in order to purify their hearts.
Solihad said Ramadan is also when children perform the ritual of asking their mothers for forgiveness. Photo by Ha Nguyen.
Solihad reflected: “Just like Tet for Vietnamese families - when children living far away return home to reunite with loved ones - during Ramadan, children of Muslim families also gather together.
They perform a ritual of asking their mothers for forgiveness and expressing respect to their mothers or elders. The ritual includes clasping hands, bowing their heads and seeking pardon for mistakes made over the past year, so as to cleanse their hearts and pray for their mothers’ health and peace during this sacred month.”
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