The crescent moon was sighted in parts of India on Wednesday evening, signaling the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan from Thursday.
The crescent moon was sighted in Mumbai, Delhi, Bihar, Assam as well as the Union territories of New Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.
Alson with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were among the major Indian subcontinent countries where attempts were made by the local moon sighting committees to spot the Ramzan crescent.
With the crescent of Ramadan already seen in Saudi Arabia and other parts of Middle East on Tuesday, it is expected that the moon will be visible in India and neighbouring countries today. Accordingly, the fasts are expected to commence from Thursday.
During the holy month, it is obligatory upon practicising Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk. The month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
The sighting of Ramzan crescent will also mark the start of Taraweeh prayers from tonight. The special prayers, held throughout the month, are attended by practicising Muslims.
The month of Ramzan will culminate into the observance of Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two major festivals in Islam. Depending on the sighting of moon, Eid will be observed either on March 20 or March 21.
Track latest updates here.
Fasts To Begin From Thursday
The crescent moon was sighted in Mumbai, Delhi, Bihar, Assam as well as the Union territories of New Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. Fasts to begin from Thursday.
Hyderabad's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Confirms Crescent Sighting
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Sadar Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Deccan, the topmost authority of the matter in Telangana, has confirmed the sighting of the Ramzan crescent. Their announcement is seen as the official go-ahead for the commencement of Ramzan fasts in Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
Ramzan Moon Sighted In Lucknow
The Ruet-e-Hilal committee in Lucknow has confirmed the sighting of new moon, thereby confirming that the fasts will begin from Thursday. So far, most of the Indian states have confirmed the sighting of Ramzan moon.
Ramzan Moon Sighted In Pakistan: Local Media Reports
The crescent marking the start of Ramzan has been sighted in various parts of Pakistan, local media reports said on Wednesday evening. Accordingly, the fasts will begin from Thursday.
Ramzan Moon Sighted In Delhi: Reports
The Ramzan moon has been sighted in Delhi and adjoining region, according to reports. An official confirmation, however, remains awaited.
Ramzan Moon Sighting Announcement In Delhi Expected Shortly
An announcement on the Ramzan moon sighting in Delhi is expected shortly. The confirmation will be issued by the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid. Stay tuned here for the latest updates.
Crescent Sighted In Bihar, Assam
The Ramzan crescent has been sighted in Assam and Bihar, according to a Lokmat News report. Qazi Rizwan Nadawi, as per the report, told a news channel that the moon was seen in the two states by locals, but an official confirmation was awaited.
Maghrib Prayers Conclude In Most Cities, Moon Sighting Announcements Expected Shortly
Maghrib prayers have concluded in most cities, and announcements on Ramzan moon sighting is expected shortly. There is no word yet on moon sighting in Kolkata, despite an hour since sunset. Authorities are also awaiting testimonies from locals in other key cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Delhi.
New Zealand Confirms Moon Sighting While India Awaits Decision
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) has confirmed the sighting of Ramzan crescent. Accordingly, the fasts will commence in the country from tomorrow. Meanwhile, announcements from the hilal committees in India are expected shortly.
Moon Sighting Announcement From J&K Expected Soon
The announcement from Jammu & Kashmir's Office of the Grand Mufti J&K, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, is expected soon on the sighting of Ramzan moon. Locals in Srinagar, Jammu and other cities are also on the lookout for the crescent.
Muslim Scholars Gather In Lucknow To Spot Crescent
Muslim scholars and community members have gathered at Aishbagh Eidgah in Lucknow to look for the crescent moon to mark the start of Ramzan. An official announcement is expected shortly. Stay tuned here for the latest updates.
Delhi To Await Shahi Imam's Announcement After Evening Prayers
Delhi Muslims will await the announcement of Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, on the sighting of Ramzan crescent. Following the confirmation, the taraweeh prayers would be held at the iconic mosque in Old Delhi.
Kolkata First To Announce Moon Sighting Decision
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Kolkata will be the first to announce the moon sighting decision among major Indian cities. With sunset at 5:35 pm, the announcement around moon sighting is expected shortly. Stay tuned here for the latest updates on moon sighting from all key Indian cities.