Ramadan, mostly popular as Ramzan, is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims across the world observe strict fast from dawn to dusk. Muslims eagerly wait for this time of the year when people follow self-discipline and extend help to poor and needy. Ramadan celebrations were marred last year due to pandemic and lockdown which limited them to offering prayers within their homes. Although restrictions have been relaxed, but the second wave of the disease has once again dashed the hopes of celebration this time too.
It is believed that Ramadan begins when the teachings of the Holy Quran were first revealed to Prophet Muhammed. The fasting is observed for 29-30 days from the first sighting of the crescent moon to the other before culminating on Eid-ul-Fitr. The festival is considered the most auspicious days in the Islamic calendar.
Like other months under the Islamic lunar calendar, the first day of Ramadan is decided upon the sighting of the new moon.
In other parts such as Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, the day is usuualy decided based on Saudi Arabia’s sighting of the new moon. The sighting of the new moon depends on various factors such as atmospheric conditions, cloudiness and the distance between the sun and the moon on the horizon.
Although there is no way to predict the exact date, because the date will be confirmed only after the sighting of the new moon.
Here's when Ramadan 2021 expected to start and end in India
According to the astronomical predictions, Ramadan in India is expected to begin on April 12. However, the date may vary based on the sighting of the moon, which is expected on April 11. This means, the first fast will either be on April 11 or April 12. Similarly, Eid ul-Fitr will also be celebrated upon sighting of the new moon.
As per calendardate.com, the month is expected to begin from the evening of Monday, April 12 and conclude on Tuesday, May 11. Muslims mark the end of Ramadan with grand celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr which is expected to fall on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
The fasting also known as roza begins post sunrise and ends with sunset and people don't consume food and water during this period. The days start with a prayer called Fajr (during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset) and conclude with the Isha (night). During this fasting month, Muslims indulge in a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and the fast is broken with Iftaar.