New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- Ramadan, the month of fasting in Islam, began in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries today, 18 February, after the crescent was sighted on Tuesday evening.

Ramadan, also spelt as Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri) and marks 29 or 30 days of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. Typically, the crescent moon is first seen in Gulf countries and Western nations. The crescent is seen the next day in most parts of India and other neighbouring countries.

Dawn-to-dusk fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam during which devout Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, evil thoughts and actions, and having marital relations from dawn until su...