Ramadan and Bahá’í fast conclude as Lent continues in Seychelles |21 March 2026

In a remarkable display of religious harmony, the holy periods of Ramadan and the Bahá’í fast have drawn to a close in Seychelles, while the Lenten season for the Catholic community continues into April.

Muslims across the islands marked the end of Ramadan on the evening of Wednesday March 18, with Eid al-Fitr celebrations beginning the following day. The month-long fast, which commenced around February 17, involved abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, accompanied by prayer, charity, and community gatherings. In Seychelles, mosques in Victoria and other districts hosted special prayers and shared meals to conclude the sacred month.

Similarly, members of the Bahá’í community completed their 19-day fast at sunset on March 20, ushering in Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year, celebrated on March 21 in alignment with the vernal equinox. The fast, observed by Bahá’ís aged 15 and older, emphasised reflection, renewal, and unity, echoing the faith’s teachings on the oneness of humanity.

Ramadan, the Bahá’í fast, and Lent all began within days of one another in mid-February, creating a unique moment of shared spiritual focus across traditions in Seychelles. Community leaders described this convergence as an opportunity for mutual respect, interfaith dialogue, and collective introspection in a time of global challenges.

While Ramadan and the Bahá’í fast have now ended, Lent continues for the Catholic community, the largest religious group in Seychelles. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18, Lent is a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and penance leading to Easter on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Catholics across Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and the outer islands remain engaged in their observances, including abstaining from meat on Fridays, personal sacrifices, and preparation for the Easter Triduum.

Church services focus on themes of sacrifice and redemption, with many faithful attending daily Mass and Stations of the Cross. The Archdiocese of Seychelles has encouraged parishioners to use the remaining weeks for deeper spiritual growth ahead of Holy Week.

As Seychelles transitions from the conclusion of two fasting periods to the ongoing observance of Lent, the islands stand as a testament to religious diversity and harmony.

Compiled by Sunny Esparon