With digital alarms rising, 'Centuries-old Golas still announce Sehri and Iftar at Golra Sharif''

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Feb, 2026) As the new generation relies on mobile timers to mark the moments of 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, signaling Sehri and Iftar and keeping a centuries-old Ramazan tradition alive across

Islamabad.

Baber Ahmad responsible for firing the Golas while exclusively speaking with local news channel, says, “Every boom connects people to tradition and faith, and no digital alarm can replace the feeling of hearing a Gola echo across the city.” His daily duty has become a symbol of continuity, linking generations through a ritual that transcends time.

According to Babar Ahmad, in Golra, the designated individual is responsible for igniting the fuse, allowing enough time for it to reach the mold 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 Golas is not just a call to fasting or breaking it; it is a reminder of Golra Sharif’s spiritual heritage, drawing people together in a shared experience of faith. Children watch wide-eyed as the smoke rises and elders recall memories of past Ramadans, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging.

Despite rapid urban growth and technological change, the echo of Golas over E-11 and Margalla Hills remains a defining sound of Ramadan in Islamabad, ensuring that centuries-old customs continue to thrive alongside modern life, said a resident of this area.

While most cities now rely on mobile alarms, digital clocks and drum beaters to mark Sehri and Iftar, Golra Sharif stands as a rare example where centuries-old Golas still thunder across the skies, reminding people that even in a modern world, some traditions remain too powerful to be replaced, said another resident.