Ramzan is the ninth month as per the Islamic Lunar calendar. Ramadan/Ramzan begins after the month of Shaban, when the new moon is sighted. In case new moon is not seen after 30 days of Shaban, then Ramadan begins. The month of Ramzan lasts for 29 or 30 days based on the sighting of the moon. If the moon is sighted during the night of 29th fast, then the month of Shawwal begins next day and Ramadan is over. The first of Shawwal is the Eid called Eid-ul-fitr for distinguishing this from Eid-ul-azha (Bakri Eid).
Ramzan is believed to be the month in which the Quran was revealed and involves fasting done by all able-bodied men including women and children who have reached puberty. During Ramzan, the people who fast donot eat or drink right from dawn to after sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a holiday in Telangana, which celebrates the end of Ramadan and marks the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is observed with fervor by Muslim brethren in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. Sirens blare in unison from hundreds of mosques across the city for ‘sahr’ which is also the pre-dawn meals. The Muslim-majority in old city and other neighborhoods of Hyderabad become abuzz with activity while thousands throng the mosques for the purpose of ‘Namaz-e-Taraveeh’ or the special prayers offered daily during when priests recite Holy Quran.
The biggest congregation is witnessed at historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar. Special arrangements are made at many mosques and function halls for women folk to offer their prayers. Shopping for groceries and other items during this month continues until late night.
The historic city of Hyderabad with a rich Muslim heritage comes vibrantly alive during this holy month. Most of the hotels sell lip-smacking Haleem, a dish cherished by people after ‘Iftar’ or breaking the day’s fast. Tonnes of dates and fruits are sold every day to break the fast. Ramzan is a time of immense festivities, where the popular Hindu-Muslim unity comes alive in Telangana, which is a cradle of secularism