New Delhi, March 11 -- Ramadan, the sacred fasting month in Islam, is underway. The Islamic festival's beginning is determined by astronomy - the moon is first sighted in the Gulf countries and the West, while India and its neighbouring countries observe a day late. In India, Ramadan started on Thursday, February 19, marking a time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal for Muslims in the country.

The fasting from dawn to sunset during the Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During daylight hours, practising Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, harmful thoughts and actions, and marital relations. The practice is believed to strengthen faith as well as instil self-restraint.

The start of Ramadan is traditionall...