Ramadan 2023 to begin from March 24 in India

In India, Ramadan or Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting will begin on March 24.

Lucknow's Markazi Chand Committee has announced that the crescent for Ramadan 2023 has not been sighted on March 22 evening. Hence, the first fast of Ramzaan this year will be observed on March 24.

Every year, the sighting of the Ramzan moon brings great cheer for Muslims as they scamper to make preparations for fasting and head to mosques to begin special 'Taraweeh' prayers, which will start from Thursday evening. These special prayers start on the eve of the first day of fasting.

Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims worldwide refrain from eating and drinking anything from dawn to dusk and end their fast in the evening. After the end of one month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

During this holy month, Muslims observe a fast for 30 days called Roza and devote themselves spiritually in the name of Allah. People wake up early in the morning to have their first meal or sehri and in the evening, they break their fast with the evening meal called iftaar. This month is auspicious and sacred to all believers.

What are the fasting rules

Don't eat or drink from dawn to dusk. Before the sun rises, Muslims usually wake up to eat a big meal so that they won't be hungry during the day.

Those who don't want to wake up early have a big dinner before bed.

Of course, not every Muslim will fast this Ramadan, so don't be too surprised if you see your friend eating during the day.

Children are not required to fast but they're welcome to learn by participating, such as fasting up until lunchtime.

And if you can't fast because of health reasons, you can donate food or money to the poor instead.

You're exempt from fasting if you're: Pregnant Sick Menstruating Travelling long distances