Srinagar, February 18 – Following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in various locations across the country, including J&K, on Wednesday, the 30-day-long Muslim fasting month will begin on Thursday.
Muslims worldwide observe a dawn-to-dusk fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
This month is observed as a time for prayer and repentance. Devout Muslims perform their regular five daily prayers, and additionally, they also offer evening "Tarawih" prayers.
"Tarawih" (or Taraweeh/Taravi) refers to special, voluntary Sunnah prayers performed by Muslims at night during the holy month of Ramadan, typically after Isha (the fifth and final mandatory daily Islamic prayer, performed after twilight disappears).
Tarawih prayers are usually performed in congregation, often consisting of 8 or 20 rak'ah (cycles) to complete the recitation of the Quran throughout the month, promising immense rewards.
Charity, piety, compassion, and brotherhood among believers are the guiding principles of Ramadan. From the wealthiest to the most ordinary, Muslims gather to seek forgiveness and promise of a better afterlife.
The evening before Ramadan was marked by frantic shopping by Muslims in Srinagar city and other towns and villages in Kashmir.
Dates are the most sought-after fruit during the holy month, as most Muslims prefer to break their day-long fast with them, followed by food and water.
Long queues of locals were seen in the evening before grocery stores and other places selling food items as people went out to stock up for the holy month.
Children, unless they have reached the age of majority, are not supposed to fast during Ramadan, but many curious children, inspired by the enthusiasm of their parents, insist on fasting at least on the first day of the month.
The local administration had made adequate arrangements of food items, including foodstuffs, dairy products, chicken and mutton.
The successful completion of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims as the Eid al-Fitr festival. It is after a month of fasting that Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a special meal.