Fasting for Ramzan commences

CHANDIGARH: Ramzan, traditionally a month of fasting, commenced on Tuesday. The month-long fasting will culminate in Id-ul-Fitr celebrations next month. During the month, Muslims wake up early morning for the pre-dawn ‘sehri’ meal, renouncing food and water during the day before breaking their fast in the evening. The evening meals are known as ‘Iftaars’. There are some 50,000 Muslims in the tricity. And during the fasting month of Ramzan, they gather to pray in congregation.
During Ramzan, they break fast by consuming dates or salted ginger. A communal feast is hosted in mosques. Dates are traditional to Iftaar. One could also consume ginger. Purity of thought and action is important, as the underlying purpose is to cleanse the soul and free it from harm. "Holy Quran decrees fasts are mandatory for practising self-discipline," said head priest at Jama Masjid, Mohammed Ajmal Khan.
"The fast is rigorous. We are not allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours. In the evening, following Iftaar, it is customary to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed next morning," said businessman Imraan Khan.