Kashmir getting ready for Ramadan

Srinagar, Aug 22 (ANI): Muslims in Kashmir are getting ready to observe the holy month of Ramadan.

In this month, which starts from Sunday, the people prepare in advance and shop for food and decorative items.

"We have to take extra food from tomorrow, so we buy lots of dates, semolina, and meat in this month," said Abdul Rehman, a resident.

A resident said that it is a belief that fasts during this month cleans the soul and spread peace, prosperity and happiness.

"This is not only the month of fasting and offering prayers but also the month of distributing alms to the needy. We also donate some percentage of our income to the poor. It is a belief that god rewards us for performing this activity. We should follow the duty of giving alms to the poor whole year and not only in the month Ramadan," said Ghulam Jeelani, a resident.

Ramadan begins in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. The starting date is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon in each country concerned, or by astrological calculation, often dividing Islamic countries and sects over the exact dates.

During Ramadan, Muslims around the world refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, thinking impure thoughts or having sex during daylight hours, a period aimed at spiritual cleansing.

Activity during Ramadan peaks between "iftar", the breaking of the fast at sunset, a "suhur" the last meal of the day before sunrise. (ANI)