Bhatkal: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, begins in Bhatkal and parts of Coastal Karnataka along with neighbouring state of Kerala after the crescent moon was sighted in Kappad region in Calicut of Kerala on 12th April, Monday soon after the Maghrib prayers.

The Qazis of Bhatkal, Maulana Abdur Rab Nadvi and Maulana Khaja Mohiuddin Akrami Nadvi Madani informed about the sighting of the moon after receiving the confirmation from Kerala. Following the confirmation of moon sighting from Bhatkal Qazis, the Jamaatul Muslimeen Kumta also declared commencement of holy month Ramadan in Kumta.

Meanwhile, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada Qazis too confirmed the moon sighting and declared commencement of Ramadan in their respective regions.

The fasting will begin from tomorrow Tuesday, while Taraveeh, a special night prayers will begin today after 9:00 PM across all the Mosques.

Muslims in the Arab nations and many other parts of the world will also start fasting from Tuesday as the moon is usually sighted there a day before the most part of the Indian subcontinent.  

Significance of Ramadan:

Muslims fast from dusk to dawn during the month of Ramzan, also spelt as Ramadan. The fast begins before the sunrise with a small meal called suhur or sehri and is broken with an evening feast called Iftar. 

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian Calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic year and begins when a crescent moon is sighted. 

After 29 or 30 days of fasting and prayers, depending on the moon-sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated.

The holy Ramadan signifies fasting, charity and spirituality for the Muslim community. Ramadan is the month when it is said that the Holy Qur'an was revealed to prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Besides fasting, recitation of Qur'an has special significance in the month. While five-times a day prayers are compulsory for Muslims throughout the year, the month has special Taraweeh prayers which are offered in group.