Ramadan/ Ramazan, the most pious month of the Islamic calendar is approaching shortly, the Dawoodi Bohra sect is set to celebrate the holy month, globally, from Sunday, July 31 2011 while the rest of the Muslim community will observe their first fast after sighting the moon, probably on the 1^st of August, 2011.

Preparations have already been made by the Muslim communities of Udaipur for the upcoming month of fasting, praying, alms giving and detaching themselves from all worldly desires to achieve spiritual refinement.

The Ramadan preparations are quite evident in the Muslim areas of Udaipur, from shopping foodstuffs to buying new traditional attires, all Muslim men, women and children are excited about the holy month.

In the month of Ramadan, the daily schedule of Muslims remains grossly occupied, with their day starting with Sihori (preparing oneself for the fast) before the sunrise, then in offering namaz at the right time, reciting the The Holy Quran and Iftar (the time of ending the fast) after sunset, special arrangements will be made in several mosques and community halls for iftar by offering food to community members. This process will continue for 30 days.

The month of fasting will end with Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the major festivals of Islam.

Udaipur has nearly 100,000 Muslims while Dawoodi Bohras (also a Muslim sect) are nearly 17,000 in number.

Photo courtesy: Kaedjauhar Canourwala