The gracious fasting month of Ramadan

Soak in the spirit of Ramadan

A man selling kufi caps (traditional muslim skull caps) near Jama Masjid

A top view of the artificial pond at Jama Masjid

A father and a son washing their feet with water in an artificial pond in the premises of Jama Masjid

Religious caps for sale near a mosque

Devotees praying at the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India

Women praying in a separate prayer room at Jama Masjid

A young muslim girl praying in a mosque

A small kid offering his prayers with family

Children playing with pigeons outside a mosque

Devotees thronging in large number of group, offering Namaz (sacred prayer)

Men preparing for Namaz

Devotees can choose to break their fast with dates, fruit chaat, samosa or potato chips.

Families break their Ramadan fast in a mosque

Beautifully decorated Haji Mohammad Hussain near Jama Masjid, Delhi

The eyes feast on stacks of variety of dates sold in street stalls

A plethora of assorted dry fruits

The fasting month of Ramadan turns several localities into open buffets with eateries flanking the streets

A refreshing drink, with a perfect combination of watermelon, milk and rooh afza (flavour)

Traditional breads and seviyan (vermicelli) for sehri- the pre-dawn meal

India is known for its diversity, unity, and integrity as it holds the value of varied cultures and gives everyone unique and different experiences. Each year blooms with a generous sprinkle of celebrations, which centres around the rituals of blessings, goodwill, exchanging gifts, offerings, fasting and feasting, decorating places, that unites us in a bond of love and brotherhood.

During Ramadan, the month of fasting, each day starts with suhur (pre-dawn meal) ends with iftar (meal eaten by Muslims after the sunset). Traditionally they break the fast with dates with either water or yogurt and then the larger meal would be served after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. There are varieties of eateries in Muslim localities–rich and traditional delicacies and common street food from different parts of the city are served here during this month.

Traditionally Ramadan commences and ends with the sighting of the new moon. It is celebrated throughout the world and is believed to be the most sacred month. Muslims believe that during the holy month of Ramadan, God revealed the verses of the Quran (Muslim holy book) to Prophet Mohammad. It includes the month-long fasting with strong spiritual intent. The fasting is a self-test as believers abstain from food, liquid, smoking and other things between the spiritual hours of sunrise to sunset.