The Rituals :

The entire month of Ramadan, the month preceding Ramzan festival is sacred and is marked by Rozah, a daylong fasting and late night feasting for the Muslims world over. The holy month of Ramadan starts off on the day next to the sighting of Id ka Chand, which in state is formally confirmed by ‘Rooyat-e-Hilal’, the official Moon Sighting Committee.

Muslims world over are ordained to observe a stringent fast from sunrise to sunset without taking even water during the time. Observance of obligatory and special Namaaz is ritualistic of the eve. People also visit Masjids to participate in the recital of Holy Quran. The ritualistic fast is broken with a grand feast called Iftari with the near & dear that begins at a time when twilight reigns, after the sighting of Moon and continues till late in the night. Special delicacies at the Iftari are the Haleem & Qurbani, while others include mouth-watering biryanis, kebabs, rose scented sweets, cool kulfis and faloodas.

Rozah is mandatory for every Muslim, but for the insane, infirm, sick, travelling and pregnant or feeding mothers. These people are permitted to complete the fasting period by choosing to fast on some other days in compensation for these. And those who cannot fast unless with great difficulty may compensate by arranging for feeding atleast one person a day for every day of fasting that has been skipped. This apart, it is mandatory for every Muslim to give Sadaqa (charity) and Fitra (alms given in Ramzan period) before either offering the Id prayers or reciting the Quran.

It is the last 10 days of Ramadan that are of utmost importance for the people since the faithful watch over for Lialathul Qadr (The Night of Power), when the revelation of Quran was completed. It is thus customary for the Muslims to keep awake all night praying or listening to sermons by Ulema or high priest, on this day.